"Outstanding, historic, worth celebrating": Former Maldives FM Abdulla Shahid lauds PM Modi's historic 12-year term
By Sahil Pandey, Male, June 10
Former Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister and former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid, congratulated the Prime Minister on becoming India's longest continuously serving elected Prime Minister, calling the achievement "historic" and "worth celebrating."
Speaking to ANI, Shahid said PM Modi's tenure marked a transformative phase in India-Maldives relations and highlighted India's unwavering support to the Maldives during times of crisis, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Many congratulations to Prime Minister Modi and India for reaching a historic milestone -- the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in Indian history, with 4,399 consecutive days in office since first taking oath on May 26, 2014," Shahid said.
"To be the Prime Minister of India for such an extensive period of time is a feat by itself; considering that India is the largest democracy in the world and the most populous country, this is outstanding. It is historic and worth celebrating," he added.
Recalling his engagements with PM Modi across multiple official capacities, Shahid said he had personally witnessed the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and the Maldives over the past decade.
"Throughout this journey, what I experienced time and again was the outstanding relationship Maldives and India shared and how it strengthened further under Prime Minister Modi's leadership," Shahid added.
Calling India the Maldives' "first responder," Shahid highlighted New Delhi's assistance during the pandemic, including vaccine support, financial aid and connectivity measures.
"I saw first-hand the strengthening of Maldives cooperation under Prime Minister Modi's leadership during COVID-19. India was extremely generous during our hour of need. Vaccination in the Maldives began the day after it started in India because Prime Minister Modi ensured that Maldives became the first country to receive Indian vaccines," he said.
He also referred to the air bubble arrangement and financial assistance extended by India during the pandemic period, saying the support helped the Maldives recover economically.
Shahid further highlighted the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), launched in 2019 under PM Modi and former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, as a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations.
"The Greater Male Connectivity Project, popularly known as the Male-Villingili Bridge, will stand as a symbol of the true friendship between our two countries. So during these 12 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing true friendship and we are very grateful".
Speaking about future cooperation, Shahid identified economic collaboration, defence and maritime security as key sectors where India and the Maldives can deepen engagement.
On regional security, Shahid stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
"It is in the Maldives' interest to maintain a peaceful, prosperous and secure Indian Ocean. That can be achieved through close cooperation between India, Maldives and other littoral states," he said.
"Whether it is education, health, communication or infrastructure, cooperation between our two countries will only take us to better places," Shahid added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see a former Maldivian minister praising Modi so warmly. The pandemic aid angle is genuinely impressive - India stepping up as a regional first responder builds real trust. Not a fan of Modi's domestic policies but credit where due on neighbourhood diplomacy.
Absolutely historic indeed! From 2014 to now, the India-Maldives relationship has transformed. The Greater Male bridge project will be a legacy project - just like how India helped build infrastructure in other friendly nations. This is how global leadership looks like. 👏
While the achievement is notable, I'm cautious about over-celebrating any single leader's long tenure in a democracy. A 12-year run is impressive but we must also question whether it reflects democratic health or just political dominance. That said, the Maldives relationship seems genuinely strengthened.
The vaccine distribution timeline - starting in Maldives just a day after India - that's the kind of neighbourhood first policy we need. Makes me proud as an Indian to see our country being a reliable partner in crisis. 🤗 Malé-Villingili bridge will be a game changer!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.