Third visit of Maldives President to India! President Solih meets PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 3: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Republic of Maldives is presently on his third visit to India, since taking charge of his office. Yesterday (Aug 2) the Maldivian President visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and newly elected President Draupadi Murmu.

 

 

 

 

During the meeting between President Solih and Prime Minister Modi, both the leaders agreed to further deepen institutional linkages for cooperation in the areas of defence and security, investment promotion, human resource development, infrastructure development including climate and energy. President Solih also thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India for standing by their govt and the people of the Maldives during the COVID 19 pandemic.

 

Solih said that the medical and financial assistance from India helped the Maldives overcome the health and economic fallouts of the pandemic. India was the first partner to gift COVID 19 vaccines to Maldives. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Solih and the people of the Maldives for their resilience, the successful vaccination drive and the solid economic rebound post-pandemic.

 

 

 

 

 

Both leaders welcomed the growth in people-to-people ties through implementation of visa-free travel, better air connectivity, exchange programmes, and growing cultural and economic linkages. India has emerged as the top source for the Maldivian tourism market, contributing to economic resilience. They also welcomed the recent launch of National Knowledge Network in Maldives and directed the officials to work towards expanding its reach within the country.

 

In the area of Defence and security, the two leaders agreed on energizing cooperation in maritime safety and security, maritime domain awareness, and, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief through the implementation of ongoing projects and capacity building initiatives. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen cooperation in line with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

 

The leaders expressed satisfaction on the speedy progress made in the pre-construction phase of the Coast Guard Harbour at SIFAVARU, the project would assist the govt of Maldives in enhancing the capability of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in exercising jurisdiction and undertaking maritime surveillance of its EEZ and atolls.