Former Presidents of the Maldives have expressed support for the ongoing state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Malé for a two-day official trip, on Friday.

Among those welcoming the visit were former Presidents Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed, and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, each acknowledging the importance of Prime Minister Modi’s presence in the Maldives. Their public messages highlighted the continuity of Maldives–India relations across successive governments and the longstanding bilateral cooperation.

Former President Maumoon highlighted the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit as an opportunity to further strengthen the deep-rooted bonds of friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the Maldives and India. Former President Nasheed underscored the cross-party consensus on the value of India’s friendship to the Maldives, while former President Solih emphasised the significance of the visit, particularly given the current regional and political context. He also acknowledged the Indian Prime Minister’s role as Chief Guest for the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations, describing it as a reaffirmation of close bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Modi was officially received at Velana International Airport by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. A ceremonial welcome was held at Republic Square, including a 21-gun salute, following which PM Modi proceeded to the President’s Office. There, official talks were initiated between the two delegations, focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as economic development, climate resilience, regional security, and infrastructure.

The visit comes less than a year after President Dr Muizzu’s trip to India, and highlights a continued effort to maintain high-level diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours. Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the Independence Day celebrations is widely seen as a gesture of goodwill and commitment to the Maldives–India relationship.