An honor to take part in Maldives 60th Independence Day celebrations: Modi

=Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said it is an honor to participate in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives, ahead of his official visit to the country this week.

“I am honored to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives,” Modi posted on X, referring to his upcoming visit on Friday at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Modi also highlighted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. The two countries established bilateral ties on 1 November 1965.

He said his visit would further strengthen the close relationship between the two nations.

Modi will arrive in the Maldives on a two-day official visit. During the visit, he will hold high-level talks with President Muizzu on a range of bilateral and regional matters.

The trip will also include the inauguration of several development projects in Maldives that have been carried out with Indian assistance. The two sides are also expected to sign several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering a multiple sectors.

This will be Modi’s first visit to Maldives since beginning his third term as Prime Minister and the first official state visit to the country since President Muizzu assumed office last year.