NEW DELHI/THRISSUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Maldives today after making a brief stop in Kerala today. It is his first international visit since becoming prime minister for his second term. PM Modi, who reached Kochi, in Kerala late last night, offered prayers at the Guruvayur temple (also known as the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple) this morning. Prime Minister Modi then addressed a public meeting at the Guruvayur Sree Krishna HS ground.
From Kerala, PM Modi began his official visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. "These visits indicate the importance we attach to the policy of 'Neighbourhood First' and will further cement ties with key maritime neighbours," PM Modi tweeted ahead of his visit. During his visit to the Maldives, PM Modi addressed the Maldivian Parliament. He also met President Ibrahim Solih, following which a number of agreements were signed including budgetary support by India for development projects in Maldives. Both PM Modi and the Maldivian President jointly inaugurated two defence projects - a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for the Maldives National Defence Forces or MNDF. PM Modi was also honoured with the Order of Nishanizzuddeen, a prestigious award given by the Government of Maldives.
Here are the Highlights from PM Narendra Modi's Maldives visit:
Former President @maumoonagayoom is an extraordinary statesman who has served the Republic of Maldives with great diligence.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
Had fruitful discussions with him on ways to strengthen friendship between India and the Republic of Maldives. pic.twitter.com/qHj5UY2nyu
"Mr. @MohamedNasheed has always been a strong votary of robust relations between India and the Republic of Maldives. We had a wonderful meeting in Male, where a wide range of topics were discussed," PM Modi says in another tweet referring to the Speaker of the Parliament, former President Mohamed Nasheed.Had an excellent meeting with President @ibusolih.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
During our talks, we reviewed the full range of relations between India and the Republic of Maldives. We discussed ways to enhance economic and cultural relations between the citizens of our nations. @presidencymv pic.twitter.com/LE1nvrw3O4
Honoured to address @mvpeoplesmajlis. Watch my address. https://t.co/0cEhKQk7PJ
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
- MoU for Cooperation in the Field of Hydrography.
- MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health.
- MoU for the Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Services by Sea.
- MoU for Cooperation in Customs Capacity Building between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India and the Maldives Customs Service.
- MoU between National Centre for Good Governance, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and Maldives Civil Service Commission on Training and Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants.
- Technical Agreement on Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force.
PM @narendramodi is addressing a joint press meet with President @ibusolih. https://t.co/qCCTwPCqw4
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 8, 2019
#WATCH President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih confers upon PM Narendra Modi, Maldives' highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, 'The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen'. pic.twitter.com/dzl79XZXzN
- ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019
Connected by cricket!
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
My friend, President @ibusolih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by #TeamIndia playing at the #CWC19. pic.twitter.com/G0pggAZ60e
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects guard of honour at Republic Square in Male; President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also present. #Maldives pic.twitter.com/RJ59DGeeoN
- ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019
Maldives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at Republic Square in Male; President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also present. pic.twitter.com/gZhrNa9xqn
- ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019
Reached the Republic of Maldives.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
This visit indicates the importance India attaches to strong ties with the Republic of Maldives and the desire to boost cooperation in various spheres. pic.twitter.com/EwpwMzThvH
President @ibusolih has announced his decision to confer on PM of India H.E. @narendramodi the Maldives highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries, "The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen" during PM's visit today. Namaskar, Swagatham š
- Abdulla Shahid š (@abdulla_shahid) June 8, 2019
I come to Kerala with a deep sense of gratitude to the people.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
Yes, our Party did not win a seat here but I will serve the state with even greater vigour and deepen the bond with its wonderful citizens.
Highlighted our vision for agriculture, tourism, healthcare and more. pic.twitter.com/lbG7Y6OXIK
Speaking in Guruvayur. Watch. https://t.co/evfCpP7Tht
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
The Guruvayur Temple is divine and magnificent. Prayed at this iconic Temple for the progress and prosperity of India. pic.twitter.com/sB5I4GEYZA
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 8, 2019
Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Thrissur. He will offer prayers at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur today. pic.twitter.com/AqnhC3AmV8
- ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019
Kerala: Security tightened at Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur of Thrissur district where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will offer prayers today. pic.twitter.com/nALnOAN6vS
- ANI (@ANI) June 8, 2019
PM @narendramodi landed in Kochi, where he was received by Shri Justice P. Sathasivam, the Governor of Kerala, Union Minister @VMBJP and other respected dignitaries. pic.twitter.com/aa8tbhIaky
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 7, 2019
I would be visiting the Maldives and Sri Lanka on 8th and 9th June. These visits indicate the importance we attach to the policy of 'Neighbourhood First' and will further cement ties with key maritime neighbours. https://t.co/vMW2cT55EZ
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2019