Modi to attend swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 17, signalling New Delhi’s attempt to strengthen ties with Male. This will be Modi’s first visit to the Maldives after assuming office. In March 2015, his visit was cancelled owing to the volatile political situation in that country.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted Maldives President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony on November 17,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. PM’s official advance teams have already reached Male to begin preparations for his visit. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place at the national stadium in Male.

Solih had invited Modi to his swearing-in on September 24 after the PM had called him to congratulate on his victory. During the telephonic conversation, Modi conveyed his good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in the country. Solih said the two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighborly relations between the two countries.