Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the ‘Guest of Honour’ at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations taking place today in the capital, Malé. The visit comes at the special invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, marking a significant moment in the diplomatic ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi is on a State visit to the island nation, underscoring the importance of India-Maldives relations.

At a state banquet held in his honour last evening, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the invitation and extended warm wishes to the people of the Maldives on their milestone Independence Day. He reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and highlighted the enduring friendship between the two countries.

President Muizzu, while addressing the gathering, congratulated Prime Minister Modi on becoming the second longest-serving Prime Minister of India. He commended Modi’s leadership and reaffirmed the Maldives’ close partnership with India. The President emphasized that India has consistently been the Maldives’ closest and most reliable ally, with cooperation extending across critical sectors such as security, trade, healthcare, education, and more—deeply impacting the lives of citizens in both nations.