This is Mr. Solih’s first overseas visit after becoming the President of the Indian Ocean nation of 400,000 people. Even as Mr. Modi enthusiastically reached out to all of India’s neighbours after his election in 2014, he remained reluctant to engage Mr. Yameen. His planned visit to the Maldives, in March 2015, was cancelled as the political environment deteriorated under Mr. Yameen. Points of engagementMr. Solih’s India visit has seen the two sides emphasise their traditionally close bond. In an attempt to boost trade ties, Mr. Modi “welcomed the expanding opportunities for Indian companies to invest in the Maldives”.

Source: The Hindu December 18, 2018 18:22 UTC