JUST WATCH THIS: PM Modi gifts Cricket Bat signed by full World Cup 2019 Team India squad to Maldives President Solih. Pictures here

On his arrival at the Maldives on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Cricket bat signed by the 15-members 2019 World Cup squad of Team India to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohammad Solih.

Taking to Twitter, PM Modi shared glimpses of the occasion as he bestowed the bat to the Maldivian President, revealing that his 'friend' Ibrahim Solih is an ardent Cricket fan.

"Connected by cricket", PM Modi said that he presented the bat signed by Team India playing at the Cricket World Cup 2019. 

 READ | Cricket Diplomacy, Inauguration Of Defence Projects Among Key Agendas Of PM Narendra Modi's Maiden Maldives Visit In Second Term. Read Here

PM Modi landed in the Maldives on Saturday afternoon where he was welcomed by Solih. Ahead of his visit, PM Modi emphasised on cricket diplomacy with the Maldives in order to consolidate people-to-people relations. During his visit, he is set to focus on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in the island nation.

With an aim to enhance connectivity, India is planning to start a ferry service from Kochi to the Maldives. 

Both PM Modi and the Maldivian President will jointly inaugurate two defence related projects – a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF), strengthening defence ties.

The Indian Prime Minister was on his maiden visit to the Maldives since assuming office for the second time after the Lok Sabha Polls in May 2019. PM Modi's visit is in tune with the "India First" policy of Male and "Neighbourhood First" policy of New Delhi. 

Furthermore, President Solih has announced to confer the highest honour which is accorded to foreign dignitaries to PM Modi during his visit.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Maldives Abdulla Shahid stated that "The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen" will be accorded to PM Modi during his visit to the Island nation.

MASSIVE: Maldives To Accord PM Modi The 'Order Of Nishan Izzuddeen' - Its Highest Honour For A Foreign Dignitary