NEW DELHI: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was given a red carpet welcome on his first state visit to India on Monday, a trip Prime Minister Narendra Modi said marked a "new chapter" to reset troubled ties. India on Monday rolled out a financial support to bolster Male's struggling economy, with Muizzu and Modi discussing "energy, trade, financial linkages and defence cooperation", India's foreign ministry said.
"Your visit is a new chapter in our ties," Modi told Muizzu, who was given an honour guard including cavalry and a marching band. "India will always be there for the progress and prosperity of the people of Maldives."
Muizzu, in a speech alongside Modi that included the virtual inauguration of an Indian-supported airport runway and social housing, said he had held "extensive discussions... charting a path for the future collaboration between our two countries". He also thanked India for budgetary support "instrumental in addressing foreign exchange issues", including a $357 million and $400 million currency swap agreement. — AFP
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