‘Completely mesmerising’: Netizens love PM Modi’s 'perfect gift' for Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih

With the ongoing Cricket World Cup creating buzz across the globe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented an extremely special gift to Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in PM’s first international assignment after taking charge of his second term. Being well-aware of President Solih’s love for the ‘Gentleman’s game’, PM presented him with a special bat featuring the autographs of the squad members representing India at the World Cup. 

READ: Cricket Diplomacy, Inauguration Of Defence Projects Among Key Agendas Of PM Narendra Modi's Maiden Maldives Visit In Second Term. Read Here

Sharing a picture of the bat, signed by Captain Virat Kohli, Vice-captain Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Vijay Shankar, MS Dhoni, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Mohammad Shami, and another of him presenting it to the President, PM Modi tweeted, “Connected by cricket! My friend, President @ibusolih is an ardent cricket fan, so I presented him a cricket bat that has been signed by #TeamIndia  playing at the #CWC19.” 

Netizens went gaga over the gesture, terming it, ‘completely mesmerising’, ‘incredible gesture’, ‘perfect gift’ and much more while expressing their pride at having such a ‘cool Prime Minister.’ 

READ: "Guruvayur Temple Is Divine And Magnificent," Writes PM Modi While Glimpses Of Him Offering Prayers In Kerala Establish Exactly Why

Here are the reactions: 

PM Narendra Modi began his maiden visit to Maldives on Saturday following his swearing-in as the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term. PM Modi’s visit is in tune with the 'India first policy' of Male and 'Neighbourhood First' policy of New Delhi. 

The two leaders are expected to sign several agreements related to customs cooperation, capacity building, defence and connectivity issues.

PM Modi has emphasised on cricket diplomacy with Maldives in order to consolidate people-to-people relations. He will focus on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's mission to develop the sport in Maldives.

With an aim to enhance connectivity, India is planning to start a ferry service from Kochi to the Maldives.

Both PM Modi and the Maldivian President will jointly inaugurate two defence-related projects – a coastal surveillance radar system and composite training centre for Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF), strengthening defence ties.

On the day of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives, President Solih has announced to confer the highest honour which is accorded to foreign dignitaries, to PM Modi during his visit.

Meanwhile, India has taken an impressive start at the World Cup, winning their opening encounter against South Africa. Virat Kohli and Co play their second match against Australia on Sunday.