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.