Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed from the Maldives after concluding his two-day state visit.

President Mohamed Muizzu welcomes Modi at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Friday morning. He also received a 21-gun salute in Male' on Friday evening.

Speaking after official talks between the two countries at the President's Office, Modi said India would always provide assistance to the Maldives.

A total of eight agreements, including a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and a USD 565 million (MVR 8.7 billion) Line of Credit (LOC) for development projects, were signed after the talks.

Modi also held separate meetings with leaders from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and former President Mohamed Nasheed, along with leaders of other political parties.

On Saturday evening, he attended celebrations at the Republic Square to mark the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives.

This is Modi's third visit to the Maldives. He previously visited the country in 2018 and 2019.