PM Modi arrives in Maldives in his first overseas visit after re-election

New Delhi

Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Saturday on his first foreign visit after re-election as Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral ties, reflecting the importance India attaches to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Modi was received at Male airport by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The two-day state visit of Prime Minister Modi is aimed at further cementing ties with the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Upon his arrival, Modi said on Twitter: "Reached the Republic of Maldives. This visit indicates the importance India attaches to strong ties with the Republic of Maldives and the desire to boost cooperation in various spheres".

President Solih and Modi exchanged plasantaries upon the prime minister's arrival at Republic Square where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome.

The prime minister also inspected the guard of honour.

During his visit there, the Prime Minister would be conferred with the highest honour accorded to foreign dignitaries - Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen.

Modi will also address the Majlis (Parliament of Maldives).

Modi, along with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects -- a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives national defence forces (MNDF) at the total cost of $180 crores. 

Several MoUs are expected to be signed including training of civil servants, customs and white shipping.

Modi will be visiting Sri Lanka on Sunday, a visit that has been termed as a solidarity visit. The Indian PM will be the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka after the 21st April terror attacks that killed more than 250 people.