From Political Talks To I-Day Celebrations: Here’s What PM Modi’s Day 2 In Maldives Looked Like

Last Updated:July 26, 2025, 20:31 is

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a productive two-day visit to the Maldives after gracing the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations as guest of honour.

PM Modi in Maldives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a productive two-day visit to the Maldives on Saturday, a day after holding talks with his Maldivian counterpart, Mohamed Muizzu, in what many see as a reset in ties between the two countries after Muizzu’s initial pro-China stance.

One of the most prominent highlights in PM Modi’s final day in the Maldives was when he graced the Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives as the guest of honour. He was on a two-day trip to the Island nation at Muizzu’s invitation.

“On behalf of all the Maldivians, I thank Prime Minister Modi for accepting my invitation to come to the Maldives on this very important historic occasion,” said Muizzu during the event. Modi’s visit also came at the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.

Meetings With Political Parties

PM Modi began the day by meeting the leaders of different political parties in the Maldives. “The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership,” he said on X.

He interacted with Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef and held talks on key pillars of the India-Maldives friendship. He also met Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis in the Maldives, and held talks on diplomatic relations between the two countries.

PM Modi also met former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who has always been a strong advocate of a “deeper India-Maldives friendship”.

PM Modi Meets Indian Diaspora

The Prime Minister interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives and noted that they were one of the strongest bridges between India and the world. “It is commendable how they are contributing to the Maldives’ progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India,” he said.

He also interacted with the beneficiaries of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which focuses on capacity building. “The group included police officials, government officials, paramedics and nurses. They truly embody the spirit of the India-Maldives friendship and the deep-rooted ties that unite our two nations.”

PM Modi At Maldives’ Independence Day Celebrations

In a momentous occasion, PM Modi attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the independence of the Maldives as the ‘Guest of Honour’. This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives, according to the External Affairs Ministry.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister extended warm greetings to the people and government of the Maldives. The celebrations showcased a lively parade by the Maldivian National Defence Forces and other local units, along with a string of cultural performances that dwelt on the achievements of the Maldives as a modern nation.

He also thanked President Muizzu and the people of the Maldives for their invitation. “This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. It also signified the country’s journey of transformation over the years gone by,” he said.

PM Modi In Maldives

This is PM Modi’s first visit to the archipelago nation in his third term, which coincided with 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. His participation in the Independence Day marked a major milestone in India-Maldives ties.

On Friday, he held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, focusing on consolidating cooperation in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure, marking a major turnaround in the ties after a spell of unease.

After concluding the delegation-level talks, both leaders released a stamp to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. They also inaugurated the new building of the Ministry of Defence in Malé. PM Modi noted that the ties between the two nations are getting stronger over time.

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

view comments

First Published: