India looks forward to working with new Maldivian President Solih to strengthen bilateral ties: PM Modi

Prime Minister Modi held talks with Solih after attending his swearing-in ceremony.

The two leaders, while noting the resilience of the relations between India and the Maldives, expressed confidence in the renewal of the close bonds of cooperation and friendship with the election of Solih as the President of the Maldives.

During their meeting, both leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean and being mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for the stability of the region.

Solih, 54, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, had surprisingly defeated strongman Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23.

During the swearing-in ceremony of Solih, Modi was sitting beside former  Maldivian presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga also attended the ceremony.

Modi congratulated President Solih and also interacted with leaders from the Maldives and other parts of the world during the oath taking ceremony at the National Stadium.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Raveesh Kumar said that President Solih in his address to the People's Majlis (Parliament) asserted that the Maldives will endeavour to fortify its existing ties with India.

"Maldives President Solih in his address to the People's Majlis:We will endeavour to fortify existing ties with India. Maldives will hereupon bolster its shared role to retain enduring peace & harmony of the Indian Ocean," Kumar tweeted.

PM @narendramodi had a warm meeting with President @ibusolih. PM conveyed that India looked forward to working closely with #Maldives in further deepening our partnership underpinned by historical ties and friendship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited new Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to India during the two leaders meeting here Saturday.

Prime Minister Modi, who was on a day-long visit to Maldives, held productive talks with Solih after attending his swearing-in ceremony.

"Prime minister Modi extended an invitation to President Solih to make a State Visit to India at his earliest convenience. President Solih accepted the invitation with pleasure," Ministry of External Affairs said.

"The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives will make an official visit to India on November 26 to hold further discussions and to prepare for the forthcoming State Visit of President Solih to India," it said in a statement.