WEB DESK / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, his visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka indicates the importance India attaches to the policy of neighbourhood first and will further cement ties with key maritime neighbours.
The Prime Minister will be embarking on a two-day official visit to the neighbouring countries from tomorrow. This would be Mr Modi’s first foreign visit after his re-election as the Prime Minister.
In his departure message ahead of the visit, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for inviting him to the Republic of Maldives. He said, India views the Maldives as a valued partner with whom the country shares a deep bond of history and culture.
On Sri Lanka, Mr Modi said, the people of India stand firmly with the people of the Island nation, who suffered great agony and destruction in the wake of the horrific terror attacks on Easter. He said, India fully support Sri Lanka in the fight against terror.
In the first leg of the two-nation tour, the Prime Minister will reach Maldives capital Male, where he will jointly inaugurate two key projects with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
In a rare honour being extended to any foreign dignitary by the Maldives, Prime Minister Modi will address the Parliament called the People’s Majlis. Mr Sudhir said, the Prime Minister will also be conferred with the highest award of the island nation, Nishan Izzuddin, given to any foreign national. The ambassador further said, delegation level talks will be held on a wide range of subjects and many agreements and MoUs are likely to be signed during the visit.