The First Lady and President of the Maldives Visit Raj Bhavan in Karnataka

INN/Bengluru, @Infodeaofficial

The Honourable President of the Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed paid a courtesy call at Raj Bhavan in Karnataka, where they were cordially met by Governor Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister M.C. Sudhakar graced the visit, joining in extending Karnataka’s hospitality to the esteemed guests.

Governor Gehlot greeted the President and First Lady and emphasised the close ties between India and the Maldives, mentioning the President’s recent meetings with important Indian officials, such as the Prime Minister, President, and Vice President. He declared, “These exchanges have strengthened the friendly ties between our two countries even more.”

The Governor stressed the Maldives’ important contribution to India’s “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) and “Neighbourhood First” programs. The debut of the RuPay card in the Maldives, increased air connectivity, and improved visa facilities were among the recent advances he applauded. He also praised the currency exchange deal as evidence of the two nations’ strong economic cooperation.

“We have high hopes for the inauguration of the Maldivian consulate in Bangalore and the Indian consulate in Addu City, Maldives. The governor said, “These initiatives will foster closer ties, particularly in tourism.” He was even more enthusiastic about the President’s business delegation, pointing out that Bangalore—India’s IT capital—could be crucial to strengthening India’s economic and trade relations with the Maldives.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed delight in hosting the Maldivian delegation, echoing the Governor’s views. He mentioned First Lady Sajidha Mohamed’s education in Bengaluru and the historical connections between Bangalore and the Maldives. The Chief Minister proposed collaboration prospects between Karnataka and the Maldives in the fields of IT, innovation, and entrepreneurship, emphasising the state’s global prominence in these domains.

“We anticipate fortifying our commercial connections, specifically in endorsing Karnataka’s handloom and handicraft sectors to the Maldivian travel market,” Siddaramaiah continued. Inviting cooperation in educational and cultural exchanges, he also emphasised the state’s great cultural and natural diversity.

President Muizzu responded by thanking Karnataka and the Indian government for their gracious hospitality and stating his intention to increase collaboration, especially in the areas of tourism and education. He noted that there are a lot of Maldivian students in Karnataka and underlined the significance of both countries’ joint development initiatives.

Minister M.C. Sudhakar, Chief Secretary to the Government Shalini Rajneesh, and Political Secretary to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Govindaraju, were among the dignitaries present.