Delhi, 25 July (H.S.): Delhi, 25 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives for a two-day state visit on Friday after concluding his trip to the UK. He was warmly welcomed by President Muizzu and other officials upon landing in Male. This visit is noteworthy as it is PM Modi's first since strained bilateral ties following the India Out campaign and President Muizzu's pro-China stance. President Muizzu invited PM Modi to be the chief guest at the 60th National Day celebrations, coinciding with the anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted this visit as a continuation of strengthening cooperation and reaffirming India's commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy in the Indian Ocean region.PM Modi’s arrival was celebrated with chants of ‘Vande Mataram‘ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ and he was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora along with a traditional Indian dance, marking the first hosting of a head of government by Muizzu since he assumed office.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar