India, Maldives Sign Six Key Agreements

Bilateral ties are older than history, says Modi

- Meera Srinivasan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives on Saturday, his first state visit abroad since being reelected to office, was marked by the signing of six key agreements and substantive bilateral level talks, reaffirming cooperation between the two countries.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih conferred upon Mr. Modi the Maldives’ highest honour — the Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen.

Addressing the Maldivian parliament, the Majlis, Mr. Modi said the relations between India and the Maldives are older than history. “Today I want to emphasise that every Indian is with you for the strengthening of democracy in the Maldives,” he said.

‘A threat to civilisation’

Stressing the need for global cooperation in combating terror, he said terrorism is not just a threat to a country but to the entire civilisation. “It is very unfortunate that people are still making the mistake of distinguishing between good terrorists and bad terrorists,” he said.