Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived in the Maldives on his first foreign visit after being re-elected. He was received by President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the Republic Square in Male.

He was also given a ceremonial welcome and inspected the guard of honour at Republic Square.

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During his visit there, the Prime Minister would be conferred with the highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries – Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen.

Later in the day, he will address the Majlis. Last month, the Maldivian Parliament unanimously passed a resolution for inviting Modi to address the House during his visit.

Modi, along with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, will also inaugurate two projects.

The two projects backed by India include a coastal radar system and a training centre for the archipelago’s defence forces, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had earlier told reporters.

Several other initiatives, including a ferry to India and the funding of a national cricket stadium, are likely to be discussed with President Solih.

Official welcoming ceremony held for the Prime Minister of #India pic.twitter.com/19NdrfXRFU

— Presidency Maldives (@presidencymv) June 8, 2019

Modi had earlier thanked the Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih for inviting him to the Maldives.

“I thank President @ibusolih for inviting me to the Republic of Maldives. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the inauguration ceremony in November 2018. India views the Maldives as a valued partner with whom we share deep bonds of history and culture,” the Prime Minister said.

On Sunday, PM Modi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka where he will meet the top leaders of the island country.

Ahead of his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that his visit to the two countries indicate the importance that India attaches to the “Neighbourhood First” policy.

“I would be visiting the Maldives and Sri Lanka on 8th and 9th June. These visits indicate the importance we attach to the policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and will further cement ties with key maritime neighbours,” Modi said in a tweet.

PM’s visit to the Maldives is in tune with the ‘India first policy’ of Male and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy of New Delhi. The streets in Male have been lined up flags of India and Maldives, to welcome PM Modi and his delegation.

PM Modi left for the island nation from Kerala after making a brief stop in the state. Earlier in the day, he offered prayers at the famed Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple.