Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked for the Maldives last night after concluding the UK leg of his two-nation tour. His official state visit to the Maldives is scheduled for July 25 and 26, at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is attending the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour. The occasion also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.

"A historic visit to the UK is complete, taking India-UK trade and economic relations to new records. PM Narendra Modi boards the plane for the second phase of the tour—Maldives," the Ministry of External Affairs wrote in a post on X.

India's High Commissioner to the Maldives, G Balasubramanian, highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations. "India and the Maldives enjoy a very close relationship. We have been geographical neighbours, historical neighbours, and thus our bond has lasted for centuries," he said, as quoted by news agency ANI. He further added that people from Lothal used to travel to the Lhaviyani and Noonu Atolls in northern Maldives during the Indus Valley civilisation.

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Malé with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other senior officials. He was warmly received by President Muizzu and Maldivian ministers for foreign affairs, defence, finance, and homeland security at the airport. As Modi landed, chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' echoed at the welcome event.

A ceremonial reception was held at Republic Square in Malé, where President Muizzu was also present. The Prime Minister received a 21-gun salute as part of the formal welcome.

"The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in furthering friendship between India and the Maldives. Happy to have interacted with members of the diaspora and I thank them for the warm welcome," Prime Minister Modi wrote on X.

A picture of the Prime Minister was also displayed on the defence ministry building in Malé as part of the visit.

Later, Modi visited the President's House in Malé and signed the visitors' book. He and President Muizzu held delegation-level talks, with participation from senior officials and ministers from both sides.

Former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom extended his greetings as well.
 "Warmest welcome to Your Excellency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives. It is an honour and privilege for us to have you in our country. May your visit further enhance the close ties of friendship, understanding, and cooperation between our two countries," he said.

India extended a Line of Credit worth Rs 4,850 crores to the Maldives to support various developmental projects.

The Government of India also reduced the annual debt repayment obligations of the Maldives on loans funded by the Indian government. Talks were launched to begin negotiations for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement.

A commemorative stamp marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives was jointly released.

India handed over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale under its Buyers' Credit facilities to assist with housing needs. The roads and drainage system project in Addu city was inaugurated as part of India-supported infrastructure development.

Six High Impact Community Development Projects across different regions in the Maldives were also inaugurated during the visit.

India handed over 72 vehicles and additional equipment to the Maldivian authorities to strengthen key public services.

The President of the Maldives expressed gratitude to India after the Indian government provided 72 heavy vehicles to the Maldivian Ministry of Defence.

"The Prime Minister's visit coincides with two cherished occasions. Tomorrow, PM Modi will join me in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. Today, we have jointly released a commemorative stamp to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Maldives and this afternoon, Prime Minister Modi and I had extensive discussions...Prime Minister Modi and I had the honour of witnessing the signing of four MoUs and three agreements on several key areas. Among these is a line of credit agreement for $ 565 million. This will be utilised for priority projects of my government across key sectors," he said.

"This year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. But the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea. The commemorative stamps released today display traditional boats of both nations. This reflects that we are not just neighbours but also co-passengers," said PM Modi.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to attend the 60th Independence Day Celebrations parade of the Maldives as the Guest of Honour.