PM speaks to President elect of Maldives, both leaders pledge to work closely

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening called Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the President elect of the Maldives, and congratulated him on his victory in the elections held in Maldives.

“The Prime Minister also conveyed his good wishes for the strengthening of democracy, peace and prosperity in Maldives under the leadership of Mr Solih,” an MEA statement said here.

“Mr Solih thanked the Prime Minister for his greetings and good wishes,” the statement said.

“The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries,” it said.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the successful completion of the third Presidential election process in the Maldives.

“This election marks not only the triumph of democratic forces in the Maldives, but also reflects the firm commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law,” the MEA said.

It further said, “In keeping with our ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy, India looks forward to working closely with the Maldives in further deepening our partnership”.

The elections results in Maldives seemed to have come as a refreshing transition in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation as the winning opposition Presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is seen as someone who would be keen to work closely with the Modi government.