Addressing the Majlis, the Maldivian Parliament, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need for an international treaty to deal with terrorism which is a big threat to humanity.

He appealed humanists to have a time bound Global Conference and a comprehensive system on the lines of Climate change to tackle terrorism.

Prime Minister Modi called upon Maldivian Parliament Members to work towards combating Terrorism and Cimate change besides working towards maintaining peace and calm in Indo- Pacific region.

He also stressed the need for strengthening People to people relations and increasing cooperation in fields of Education, health and other areas between India and Maldives. The Prime Minister appealed Maldives to join hands with India in improving blue economy.

Prime Minister Modi and Maldives President Solih held discussions on a range of subjects of bilateral interest at the President’s office in Male. Both leaders jointly commissioned two key projects in the island nation. These include the Coastal  Radar Surveillance System and the Composite Training Center for the Maldives National Defence Forces. These are established with Indian grants and expertise.

Delegation-level talks between the two sides were also held in the presence of the two leaders. Several MoUs were also signed between the two nations after the talks to further strengthen bilateral ties in white shipping, health and capacity building. An MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Maldives Civil Service is aimed at facilitating training and capacity building programs for the Maldivian civil servants.

The training modules include e-governance and service delivery, public policy and best practices in fisheries and coastal regulations. Over a thousand Maldivian civil servants will be trained as per the MoU and the Indian Government will bear the expenses. An MoU between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the Maldives Customs Service is intended to strengthen the Maldives’ Customs set up and to modernize it.

Another MoU is aimed at launching passenger and cargo shipping services between the ports of Cochin in India and Kulhudhuhfushi in the Maldives. This will provide the Maldives easy access to Indian markets. Three MoUs between the two governments in health sector co-operation were also signed.

These include exchange and training of medical professionals and medical research, regulation of medical products and co-operation in cancer treatment. An MoU on information sharing on white shipping, encompassing non-military and non-government shipping vessels has been signed between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defense Force.

After his arrival at the Velana International Airport in Male, the Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid and senior officials welcomed Mr Modi. In a rare gesture from the Maldives side, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception with 21-gun salute at the historic Republic Square in Male.

In a tweet after his arrival in Male, the Prime Minister said, this visit indicates the importance India attaches to strong ties with the Republic of Maldives and the desire to boost cooperation in various spheres. This is the first bilateral visit to Maldives of an Indian Prime Minister after 2011.

Our correspondent reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated India’s strong commitment to fulfill the development aspirations of the maritime neighbour, the Maldives.

He touched upon the historical bonds, the convergence of cultural traits between the two neighbours and India’s readiness to address the Maldives’ concerns of Climate Change during his visit.

Rooting out terrorism and safeguarding peace and tranquillity in the Indian Ocean region were also highlighted by Mr Modi. Capacity building of the island nation is one of the focus areas where both sides showed significant progress. The Visit is in tune with the principle of Sabka ka saath, sabka vikas and sabka visvas.

Tomorrow, Prime Minister Modi will reach Sri Lankan capital, Colombo on the second leg of his two nation tour. The visit is regarded as a move to express solidarity with the neighbouring nation in the wake of the Easter Sunday attacks.