India looks forward to working with new Maldivian Prez Solih to strengthen bilateral ties: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India is looking forward to working closely with new Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to strengthen bilateral relations with the strategic Indian Ocean island nation.

Prime Minister Modi held talks with Solih after attending his swearing-in ceremony.

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 of the Maldives.

During their meeting, both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean and being mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region.

Solih, 54, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, had surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23.

During the swearing-in ceremony of Solih, Modi was sitting beside former Maldivian presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga also attended the ceremony.

Modi congratulated President Solih and also interacted with leaders from the Maldives and other parts of the world during the oath taking ceremony at the National Stadium.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said that President Solih in his address to the People's Majlis (Parliament) asserted that the Maldives will endeavour to fortify its existing ties with India.

"Maldives President Solih in his address to the People's Majlis:We will endeavour to fortify existing ties with India. Maldives will hereupon bolster its shared role to retain enduring peace & harmony of the Indian Ocean," Kumar tweeted.

PM @narendramodi had a warm meeting with President @ibusolih. PM conveyed that India looked forward to working closely with #Maldives in further deepening our partnership underpinned by historical ties and friendship.

On arrival in the Maldivian capital, Prime Minister Modi was given a red carpet welcome and was received by Maldives Parliament's new Speaker Qasim Ibrahim.

This is Modi's first visit to the Maldives as prime minister. The last visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Indian Ocean island nation was by Manmohan Singh in 2011.

"The visit reflects India's commitment to assist the Government & people of Maldives in their endeavour to build a peaceful, democratic & prosperous country, Kumar tweeted.

In a series of tweets ahead of the visit, Modi had tweeted, "I will convey to the new Maldivian Government of Mr Solih the desire of the Indian Government to work closely for realisation of their developmental priorities, especially in areas of infrastructure, health care, connectivity & human resource development,"