PRESIDENT SOLIH DEPARTS ON STATE VISIT TO INDIA; ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR VISA LENIENCY AGREEMENT

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has today departed on a State Visit to India, on the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. First Lady Fazna Ahmed, and a high level delegation of the Maldives’ government are accompanying the President on his visit.

Briefing the local media prior to his departure, President Solih announced plans to sign a number of bilateral agreements between the government of Maldives and the government of India, especially highlighting the agreement on visa leniency. He noted that this agreement will ease the process of obtaining dependent visa and medical visa for Maldivian travellers to India.

In his statement, President Solih highlighted that India was among one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Maldives. He further expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for the continuous support and assistance provided for the development of the Maldives. He also stated his confidence that the close bilateral cooperation will further strengthen and expand to multiple avenues in the times ahead.

President Solih said that he was most looking forward to meeting with the Maldivian community residing in India as part of his visit, and enquiring on the challenges they were facing.

During his State Visit, President Solih is set to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, and other senior officials of the Indian government, and hold discussions on ways to further bilateral relations between the two countries.  The Maldivian delegation will also meet with the Indian business leaders, and hold discussions on the investment opportunities in the Maldives.

As part of the State Visit, a State banquet will be hosted by the Indian Prime Minister, in honour of President Solih and First Lady.