Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid a four-hour visit to the Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih the two countries agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean and being mindful of each other’s national concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region.

With the Maldives coming out of the shadow of China following the defeat of former President Mohamed Nasheed in the recent election, Modi decided to pay his first visit to the country, reflecting the importance India attaches to its ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

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Soon after the swearing-in ceremony, Modi and Solih had a bilateral meeting at which the Indian leader extended him an invitation to visit India. Solih, seen as a leader who is determined to strengthen relations with India, accepted the invitation. He told Modi that his foreign minister would travel to India on 26 November to prepare for his visit to India.

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A joint statement issued after the meeting between Modi and Solih said the Indian leader thanked the Maldives President for the special gesture of inviting him to the inauguration ceremony. He also conveyed greetings and compliments from the people of India to the people of the Republic of Maldives on consolidation of democracy, which was essential for peace, prosperity and stability.

The two leaders, while noting the resilience of the relations between India and the Maldives, expressed confidence in the renewal of the close bonds of cooperation and friendship with the election of Solih as the President.

The two leaders expressed their unwavering commitment and support for increased cooperation in combating terrorism both within the region and elsewhere.

President Solih also briefed Modi on the dire economic situation facing the country as he takes office. The two leaders discussed ways in which India could continue development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives.

PM Modi assured Solih of India’s firm commitment in assisting the Maldives to achieve sustainable social and economic development. He also conveyed India’s readiness to extend help in every possible way and suggested that both sides should meet at the earliest to work out details as per requirements of the Maldives.

Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the expanding opportunities for Indian companies to invest in the Maldives in different sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries. Recognising that nationals of both countries travel extensively between the two countries, the leaders also agreed on the need for facilitating easier visa procedures.