Modi’s 2-day Maldives trip from June 8

New Delhi, June 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay a two-day state visit to Maldives from June 8 to 9, the Ministry of External Affairs announced here today. On his way back to India, the Prime Minister will briefly stop over at Colombo.

The itinerary is in keeping with the Government’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’. In 2014, Modi had made Bhutan his first overseas destination after becoming PM and he had made it a point to invite dignitaries from neighbouring countries at both his swearing-in ceremonies.

“Modi’s forthcoming visit will provide an important occasion to review the recent developments in bilateral relations and exchange views on issues of mutual interest to further strengthen the special relationship between the two countries,” said an MEA news release. “The visits to Maldives and Sri Lanka will demonstrate the priority India attaches to its ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) Doctrine,”  it said.

During his meetings here on May 31, PM Modi had sought increased cooperation from the Presidents of Sri Lanka and Maldives for ensuring peace and security in the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka will be the second leg of PM Modi’s visit after a specific request made to him by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena during bilaterals after the swearing-in ceremony on May 31. — TNS