Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu congratulated visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his accomplishment of being India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms in a scene filled with diplomatic grace and historical significance on Friday.

President Muizzu celebrated Prime Minister Modi’s 4,078-day tenure in office, calling it a testament to his “unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people” while speaking at a formal banquet held in his honor in Male.

The ceremony demonstrated a cordial exchange of goodwill between the two countries.

“In keeping with the spirit of the two countries’ longstanding connections, we are honored to return that friendliness and goodwill tonight. Let me start by expressing my sincere congratulations to your excellency for becoming India’s second-longest serving prime minister today. President Muizzu remarked, “This incredible milestone of 4,078 days in office is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people.”

Along with key members of his Cabinet, including the Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, Finance Minister, and Homeland Security Minister, President Muizzu personally met him at the airport in a noteworthy gesture.

In the context of the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, PM Modi is visiting as the Guest of Honor at the kind invitation of President Muizzu.

In addition to marking the two countries’ long-standing relationship, the event serves as a reminder of India’s early acceptance of Maldivian independence in 1965.

The diplomatic meeting is viewed as a chance to reaffirm shared interests in the Indian Ocean region and to reframe bilateral relations.

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Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at this historic event shows India’s ongoing commitment to maritime cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional stability.

Prime Minister Modi has now completed 4,078 days in office without a break, surpassing the late former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s record of 4,077 days from 1966 to 1977.

As part of India’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (Plant for Mother) and the Maldives’ ‘Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation’ campaigns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu planted mango seedlings on Friday, demonstrating their strong commitment to protecting the environment.

“India and the Maldives are acutely aware of the problems posed by environmental deterioration and climate change. Additionally, we’re determined to take every action we can to promote sustainability. President Muizzu and I planted saplings in Male this evening, bolstering the Maldives government’s pledge to plant five million trees and the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (a tree for Mother) campaign, “PM Modi wrote on X.

Today, the two leaders also co-opened the Maldives’ cutting-edge Ministry of Defense (MoD) headquarters in Male.

The 11-story structure, which faces the Indian Ocean, is a representation of the two nations’ deep and enduring defense and security collaboration.

This significant milestone strengthens the story of PM Modi’s enduring leadership and solidifies his position in India’s political history.