Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar thanked the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for promoting cricket during his visit to the island nation of Maldives.
PM Modi presented a bat signed by the Indian cricketers participating in World Cup 2019 to the Maldivian President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. "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," the Indian PM wrote on Twitter.
Tendulkar also took to Twitter to praise PM Modi for promoting cricket during his visit in the Maldives, stating that it was a good example of "cricket diplomacy."
PM Modi's gesture came after he held delegation-level talks with Solih after touching down at the island nation. This was the Prime Minister's first overseas visit since being re-elected to the position on May 23.
The PM received a grand ceremonial welcome on his arrival to the Maldives, which included a traditional dance performance from a dance troupe from the Maldives.