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Eid-ul-Fitr is a time of celebration and sharing good wishes with loved ones. It is an occasion when people from different walks of life come together to foster a sense of unity and harmony. In line with this spirit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently extended warm Eid greetings to the President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. While the gesture itself is heartwarming, it comes at a time when the ties between India and Maldives have been strained due to various reasons. Let's take a closer look at this unique development and its significance.
The Warm Greeting
On the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, PM Modi took to Twitter to express his warm wishes to the President of Maldives. He wrote, 'Greetings and warm wishes to President @ibusolih and the people of Maldives on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. May the spirit of brotherhood and compassion be furthered in society.' This message not only showcases the willingness of the Indian Prime Minister to reach out to the neighboring country but also highlights the importance of strengthening ties between the two nations.
Modi's Efforts to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
The decision to extend Eid greetings to Maldives has a special significance as it is a part of PM Modi's efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. Despite the recent economic and political tensions between the two nations, Modi has been working towards restoring the ties through various initiatives. His visit to Maldives in 2019 was a testament to this, where he was awarded the highest national honor, the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen. This was the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister in eight years, and it signified the importance of the bilateral relationship.
Understanding the Strained Ties
The relationship between India and Maldives has been through its share of ups and downs in recent years. The tension between the two countries peaked in 2018 when the Maldives signed a free trade agreement with China, much to the displeasure of India. The political instability in the island nation, coupled with its growing proximity to China, further strained the relations. However, in recent months, both countries have been making efforts to restore the ties and move towards a more positive trajectory.
The Importance of Good Diplomatic Relations
The greeting extended by PM Modi to the Maldives President not only reflects the need for good diplomatic relations but also highlights the significance of the Maldives as a close neighbor and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. While the strained ties have been a cause for concern for both nations, it is heartening to see them make efforts towards rebuilding mutual trust and cooperation.
In conclusion, PM Modi's warm Eid greetings to the President of Maldives amidst strained ties is a positive development that reaffirms the importance of good diplomatic relations and the need for cooperation between nations. The gesture is not just a formality but a step towards strengthening the ties and building a strong partnership between India and Maldives. It is a reminder of the fact that despite the differences, the spirit of brotherhood and compassion should prevail in society, especially during challenging times.