In a gesture signaling India's solidarity with the newly formed government in Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the swearing-in of President Ibrahim Solih, on Saturday. The day-long visit intended to boost bilateral relations. Modi assured all possible help to the new leader in fulfilling his government's pledges to the people and suggested an early meeting of officials to work out the details according to the needs of the strategically vital nation. In a joint press statement issued after talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Solih, both the leaders expressed confidence in the “renewal” of the close bonds of cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
Ties between both the countries came under strain during the rule of former president Abdulla Yameen, who was perceived as close to China. Several of his decisions did not sit well with New Delhi, including his restrictions on work visas for Indians and signing of a new Free Trade Agreement with Beijing. Meanwhile, Solih, in his inaugural address, clarified that he will endeavour to “fortify” existing ties that Maldives has had with India and other regional countries. “We will endeavour to fortify existing ties with India. Maldives will hereupon bolster its shared role to retain enduring peace and harmony of the Indian Ocean,” he said.
Solih said that he was taking on the presidency at a time when the country is in a precarious financial situation. “The treasury has endured a colossal blow owing to reckless mega development projects undertaken purely for political gain. Large-scale embezzlement and corruption has dwindled the coffers of the state by billions of rufiyaa,” he said. Modi walked into a meeting with Solih immediately after the ceremony, meeting former presidents Mohammed Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom afterwards. Modi said “Recent elections in the Maldives represent the collective aspirations of the people for democracy, rule of law and a prosperous future. We in India strongly desire to see a stable, democratic, prosperous and peaceful republic of Maldives.”
In a joint press statement, both two countries said, “The two leaders discussed ways in which India can continue development partnership, particularly to help the new government in meeting its pledges to the people of the Maldives.” Solih has described Maldives’ economic condition as “dire”.
The Indian PM was joined by former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga and senior leaders from Saudi Arabia during the ceremony, while China was represented by its Tourism and Culture Minister. This was Modi's first visit to the Maldives as PM.
