'A testimony to India’s growing stature in the world,' says Union Minister Smriti Irani on PM Modi being conferred with Maldives' highest honour for foreign dignitary

Union Minister Smriti Irani reacted to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's decision to honour the Prime Minister with “The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddeen”, the highest order accorded to foreign dignitaries.

The Minister for Women & Child Development posted a tweet by the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid which read:

READ | 'BJP won zero seats, yet Modi is thanking Kerala. People must be wondering why...': Here's what PM Modi said about his Kerala visit

While Abdulla Shahid's tweet confirmed that Modi will be honoured with Maldives's highest civilian honor, Smriti Irani asserted that the move marked the fact that India's stature continued to grow in the world. She further added that it also reflects Prime Minister Modi's immense contribution towards strengthing India's position on the global map while maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries. 

Earlier on Saturday, Shahid received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Velana International Airport:

READ | Goa Airport closed temporarily after drop tank of MIG 29K catches fire

On his visit, the Prime Minister tweeted and highlighted the strong ties that India shares with the Republic of Maldives. He also said that India holds high desires to boost cooperation in various spheres:

The PM is in Maldives after taking oath for his second term. On his visit, bilateral talks were scheduled with President Solih, Vice President Faisal Naseem and Speaker of the Majlis Mohamed Nasheed. The Prime Minister also addressed the People's Majlis (Majlis Parliament) on his first visit to the island nation.