PM Modi Arrives in Maldives, Welcomed by President Muizzu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldivian capital of Male on Friday, marking the beginning of a two-day official visit to the island nation. The visit comes on the heels of PM Modi’s trip to the United Kingdom, where he signed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, a significant milestone in bilateral trade relations.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi was received by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, along with key members of his cabinet. The warm welcome accorded to the Indian Prime Minister is a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The Maldivian President, in a statement, extended a special invitation to PM Modi to attend the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations. This gesture is seen as a significant recognition of India’s growing influence in the region and its commitment to strengthening ties with Maldives.
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to hold talks with President Muizzu and other senior government officials to discuss key issues of mutual interest. The agenda is likely to include cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and counter-terrorism.
India and Maldives have traditionally enjoyed close relations, with India being one of the largest investors in the Maldivian economy. The two countries have cooperated extensively in areas such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
In recent years, India has been actively engaged in Maldives’ development, with a focus on building infrastructure and promoting economic growth. The Indian government has provided significant financial assistance to Maldives, which has helped the country to upgrade its infrastructure and improve living standards.
The visit is also seen as an opportunity for PM Modi to strengthen ties with Maldives in the context of the ongoing China-India rivalry in the region. Maldives has been a key player in the Indian Ocean region, and India is keen to maintain its influence in the country.
In recent years, China has been expanding its presence in Maldives, with a focus on building infrastructure and investing in key sectors such as tourism and energy. While China’s investments have brought significant benefits to Maldives, there are concerns in India about the growing Chinese presence in the region.
PM Modi’s visit to Maldives is seen as a strategic move to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. By strengthening ties with Maldives, India is seeking to maintain its influence in the region and promote its interests.
During his visit, PM Modi is also expected to address the Indian community in Maldives, which is one of the largest expatriate communities in the country. The Indian community has played a significant role in promoting Indian culture and values in Maldives, and PM Modi’s address is likely to focus on the contributions of the Indian expatriates to the development of the country.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s visit to Maldives is a significant development in the context of India’s foreign policy in the region. The visit is seen as an opportunity for India to strengthen ties with Maldives and promote its interests in the region. With China’s growing presence in Maldives, PM Modi’s visit is also seen as a strategic move to counterbalance China’s influence and maintain India’s influence in the region.
Source:
