India and Maldives have reiterated strong commitment to further strengthening and invigorating the traditionally strong and friendly relations between two countries. The statements were made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the joint statement delivered.
During the joint statement, both leaders highlighted the string bonds shared by two countries nurtured by geographical contiguity, ethnic, historical, socio-economic and cultural ties between the peoples of the two countries. President Solih and Prime Minister Modi also reiterated an abiding faith in, and commitment to democracy, development and peaceful co-existence.
For his part, on behalf of the people of Maldives, President Solih expressed deep appreciation at the friendly and special gesture demonstrated by Prime Minister Modi in choosing Maldives as his first overseas destination during his second term in office, congratulating Modi for the overwhelming mandate received by him during the recently concluded Lok Sabha Elections. On the same context, President Solih expressed confidence in continuing to work together to further enhance ties.
Moreover, President Solih thanked the India for the generous assistance towards Maldives highlighting the financial support extended in the forms of budgetary support, T-bills, currency swap, and Lines of Credit. President Solih appreciated the prompt disbursement of the budgetary cash grant and subscription to Government of Maldives’ Treasury Bills.
Furthermore, President Solih reaffirmed the Maldivian government’s India-First Policy pledging full support towards deepening the multifaceted, mutually beneficial partnership between both countries which has traditionally been characterized by trust, transparency, mutual understanding and sensitivity.
Meanwhile, for his part, Prime Minister Narendra Modi first congratulated the people of Maldives for the peaceful and successful conduct of the parliamentary elections in April and the decisive verdict of the people. Stressing the high importance India attaches to its relationship with Maldives, Modi reiterated determination to work together with Maldives to realize his vision of inclusive development enshrined in his motto Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwaas, which loosely translates to Together with all, for development of all and with trust of all.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Solih, for his commitment to realising the vision for an inclusive, just, decentralised, and people-centric governance, as well as sustainable development, recalling the neighbourhood first policy. India assured full support to the Maldives in realising its aspirations for broad based socio-economic development, and strengthening of democratic and independent institutions. In addition, Modi thanked President Solih for allotting land for the new Chancery Building in the Diplomatic Enclave in Hulhumalé.
Recognising the importance of investing in human resource development, both leaders acknowledged that the visit of a delegation from National Skills Development Corporation in January 2019, and the upcoming visit of an inter-ministerial team to India in July will identify new opportunities for capacity building.
The two leaders reaffirmed their unequivocal and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, both within the region and elsewhere. To further enhance close cooperation between both sides, the leaders decided to intensify and increase high level interaction including regular Ministerial and official level visits.