External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday paid homage to Sultan Mohamed Thakururufaanu, a revered 16th century nationwide hero of the Maldives right here at his memorial centre, noting that his battle was a reminder of the “shared historical past” between India and the archipelagic state.

Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka to further expand bilateral engagement with the two key maritime neighbours of India.

Thakururufaanu ruled the Maldive islands between 1573 to 1585. He was known for fighting the Portuguese, who ruled the Maldives from 1558 to 1573.

His victory is commemorated in the Maldives as Qaumee Dhuvas or National Day.

He was also the first Maldivian King to form the Lashkaru (a unified military body). “Paid homage to Sultan Mohamed Thakururufaanu, a revered national hero of the Maldives at his Memorial Centre,” Jaishankar mentioned in a tweet.

“His battle is a reminder of a shared historical past and a unbroken dedication to nationwide improvement,” he wrote.

On Wednesday, Jaishankar and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih jointly participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo international airport redevelopment project, terming it a “historic milestone” in the strong India-Maldives improvement partnership.

Jaishankar mentioned the flagship Greater Malé Connectivity Project was additionally progressing nicely, noting that New Delhi was dedicated to the well timed implementation of this prestigious venture.

“The social housing initiatives in Male and ingesting water and sanitation initiatives on 34 islands are additionally doing nicely and plenty of are nearing completion,” he said.

Besides these large infrastructure projects, India has also partnered with the Maldives to undertake smaller but high-impact projects in Maldives.

“When it comes to people-to-people ties and broadening of economic engagement, we have been doing exceptionally well in the last few years. Since 2020, India has annually contributed the maximum number of tourists to the Maldives and we are truly proud of that,” Jaishankar mentioned.

The Maldives and Sri Lanka are India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and occupy a particular place in the Prime Minister’s imaginative and prescient of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and ‘Neighbourhood First’.

Read all of the Latest India News right here

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed)