India gives utmost importance to its relationship with Maldives: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the People's Majlis, the Parliament of Maldives after he was conferred with the Maldives’ highest honour “Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen” during his first bilateral visit to the island nation in the second term. Upon his arrival this evening, Modi was greeted at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and also received a ceremonial welcome by President Ibrahim Solih at Republic Square.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India gives utmost importance to its relationship with Maldives while receiving the Nishan Izzuddeen medal.

PM Modi began his address by thanking Maldives for honouring him with 'Nishan Izzuddeen' today. "It is not just an honour conferred upon me, but it is respect given to the friendship and relations between our two countries," he said.


He further eulogised the democratic values of Maldives and said that "Maldives has shown the world that ultimately, the winner is always the people of a democracy."

"India gives utmost importance to its relationship with Maldives. We want to have a strong partnership with each other. India is willing to help Maldives in every way possible. May the friendship between India and Maldives last forever," the Prime Minister said at the event.

While raising the issues of terrorism and radicalization, PM Modi asserted that 'Terrorism is a danger not just for a country but the entire civilization. State sponsored terrorism is the biggest threat today. It is important for the world community to come together to fight the challenge of terrorism and radicalization.'

PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, which is the first bilateral engagement the leader is undertaking after being sworn-in as the Prime Minister for a second term on May 30.

"I am glad to have the honour to visit your beautiful country as my first overseas trip after being elected for the second term," Modi said, thanking "close friend" Maldives for according a grand welcome to him.

Thanking the country for bestowing its highest honour upon him, the Prime Minister outlined that it's a moment of pride for every Indian.

"I humbly accept this award on behalf of all Indians. This is not just an honour conferred upon me but it is respect given to the friendship and relations between our two countries."

He went on to highlight the "unbreakable" relationship between India and Maldives during his speech. Modi also said that he held positive talks with Maldives President Ibrahim Solih before the event.

Speaking further, he highlighted measures being taken to increase the number of Indian tourists to Maldives.

"By issuing RuPay Card in Maldives, there will be an increase in the number of Indian tourists in Maldives. We will soon take measures in this direction. Also, there have been discussions over making the defence services stronger in Maldives," he stated.

(With inputs from Agencies)