PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Maldives President Muizzu, discussions focus on strengthening ties

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, currently on a five-day visit to India, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House on Monday to discuss deepening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

President Muizzu and PM Modi also engaged in delegation-level talks, attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the meeting. “Taking forward India-Maldives special ties! PM Narendra Modi warmly received President Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives as the latter arrived at Hyderabad House. Extensive discussions on India-Maldives bilateral relations lie ahead,” Jaiswal said.

Earlier in the day, President Muizzu, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.

During his visit, the Maldivian leader paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and signed the visitors’ book in a gesture of respect.

President Muizzu arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, where he was welcomed by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kiriti Vardhan Singh.

Later that day, he met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to explore ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. Their discussions focused on current initiatives supported by India and potential new areas of collaboration in line with the Maldives’ development goals.

The Maldivian President and First Lady also met with members of the Maldivian community residing in New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of diaspora engagement in fostering stronger ties between the two countries.