New Delhi [India], Dec 17 (ANI): President Ram Nath Kovind met his Maldivian counterpart Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here on Monday.

The meeting comes shortly after Solih held talks with Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier in the day, Solih paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat. In the evening, Solih, along with Prime Minister Modi, enjoyed a beautiful rendition of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan 'Vaishnav Jan To' performed by Maldivian singers Mohamed Shahid and Mariyam Wahida.

Solih also met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj to discuss bilateral ties between the two South Asian countries.

India on Monday announced financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to the Maldives, which Prime Minister Modi said would enhance "trust and friend" between the two nations.

On December 18, Solih will undertake a visit to Agra and then emplane for the Maldives. (ANI)

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