Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to Begin First India Visit on Sunday

Post by: Omar Nasser

Photo : AP

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is set to embark on his inaugural bilateral visit to India from October 6 to 10, as confirmed by the Maldives Foreign Ministry. This visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement, following Muizzu's earlier trip to India in June, where he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his council of ministers.

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During his stay, President Muizzu will engage in high-level discussions with Indian officials, including a meeting with President Droupadi Murmu. He is expected to hold talks with PM Modi focused on a variety of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. Additionally, Muizzu will visit Mumbai and Bengaluru to participate in various business events, highlighting the importance of economic ties between the two nations.

Maldives holds a strategic position as India's key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and has been emphasized in PM Modi's vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) as well as India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy.'

The External Affairs Minister expressed that Muizzu’s visit, coming soon after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to the Maldives in August, underscores the importance India places on its relationship with the Maldives. This visit is expected to further bolster cooperation and enhance people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Jaishankar's August visit was particularly significant, being the first high-level trip from New Delhi since President Muizzu, who has shown pro-China tendencies, took office in November last year. During that visit, Jaishankar met with Muizzu and other Maldivian leaders, emphasizing India's commitment to prioritize its multifaceted relationship with the Maldives and strengthen developmental cooperation.

However, relations between India and the Maldives experienced strain following Muizzu's election. Shortly after taking office, he requested that India replace its military personnel stationed in the Maldives with civilians, signaling a shift in the country’s foreign policy. Despite these tensions, President Muizzu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to enhancing the historic and close ties between the Maldives and India, indicating a willingness to navigate diplomatic challenges.

This visit is anticipated to set a positive tone for future relations, paving the way for renewed collaboration in various sectors between the two neighboring nations.

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