PM Modi arrives in Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Maldives on Saturday evening to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This is Prime Minister Modi's first visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected President of Maldives would take place at National Stadium in Male in the evening.

Prime Minister Modi will also separately meet with the 54-year-old leader after the official ceremony, before departing for India later in the evening.

Yesterday, in his departure statement, the Prime Minister congratulated Solih for his victory in the Maldivian presidential elections in September and added that the recent polls in the island nation "represent the collective aspirations of the people of the Republic of the Maldives for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future".

"India and Maldives share a strong partnership rooted in history, strong bonds between our peoples, and their shared aspiration for peace and prosperity. My Government's vision of inclusive development 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas' (Collective Efforts, Inclusive Growth) extends to all our neighbours too. We in India strongly desire to see a democratic, prosperous and peaceful Republic of Maldives," Prime Minister Modi said.

President Solih emerged victorious in the high-octane elections held in Maldives on September 23, which saw the ouster of former president Abdulla Yameen.