I am honoured and delighted to be in the Maldives Parliament today. Your gesture, to invite me as speaker, has touched the heart of every Indian and made them proud.

The Parliament of Maldives is not just a building made of bricks and stones. It is a place of democratic energy, where the heartbeats of the nation echo in your views and voices

Maldives has shown the world that it is ultimately the people who win. It has set an example for democracy for world.

The relations between India and Maldives are older than history. Our cultures have flourished with the power of these waves. Our relationships have been blessed by the depths of the ocean.

India has always stood by Maldives, during the 2004 tsunami or the recent water crisis. We are proud of being able to help you in tough times

Terrorism is the biggest challenge of our times, especially state-sponsored terrorism. Fighting terror is the most important criterion of leadership.

Melting glaciers and rising sea levels have become a threat to countries like the Maldives, but it has taken several initiatives for sustainable development.

The Indo-Pacific region is our lifeline. It is the key to our shared future in every sense.

India will not use its power and capabilities only for its own prosperity and security but also to develop the potential of other countries in the Indo-Pacific region.