News Desk
MALÉ, — The Maldivian sun shone bright this morning, bathing Velana International Airport in a golden glow as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived for a historic two-day state visit. The skies, as if mirroring the warmth of the occasion, welcomed him with a luminous embrace, only to soften into a gentle overcast by the time he reached Jumhooree Maidaan in the afternoon. Yet, the weather remained as inviting as the Maldivian spirit, setting the tone for a day steeped in diplomacy and cultural reverence.
On the eve of the Maldives’ 60th independence anniversary, PM Modi’s arrival—the first by a head of government since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s inauguration in November 2023—carried the weight of shared history and future aspirations. President Muizzu personally welcomed PM Modi at Velana International Airport, a warm gesture highlighting the strengthening bonds between Malé and New Delhi.
At Jumhooree Maidaan, the heart of Malé’s Republican Square, the welcome unfolded with vibrant pageantry. Maldivian and Indian flags fluttered side by side, their colours vivid against the backdrop of lapping Indian ocean waves. Larger-than-life portraits of PM Modi framed the square, where schoolchildren performed a cultural medley.
The Maldives National Defence Force delivered a resounding gun salute, and the army band played both nations’ anthems. The Maldives National Defence Force delivered a resounding gun salute, and the army band played both nations’ anthems. Following this, PM Modi inspected a guard of honor.
Vice President Hussain Mohammed Latheef, former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed as the President’s Special Envoy, and senior ministers lined up to greet PM Modi. President Muizzu then shook hands with the high-level delegation accompanying the Prime Minister.
President Muizzu led PM Modi in a ceremonial procession to the President’s Office, accompanied by the resonant beat of traditional drums—a rare honour for a visiting dignitary.
The Maldives, a strategic jewel in the Indian Ocean, has long been more than a tropical idyll. PM Modi’s visit, timed to coincide with the nation’s independence celebrations, reaffirms India’s role as a steadfast partner in infrastructure, climate resilience, and regional stability. As the leaders retreated to the President’s Office to discuss collaboration, the day’s events resonated beyond the ceremonial.
