Maldives President Muizzu’s Bilateral Visit to India

Maldives President Muizzu Arrives in Delhi on First Bilateral Visit to India

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is on a four-day bilateral visit to India from October 6 to October 10. During his stay, he will meet President Droupadi Murmu and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

On Sunday afternoon, President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Delhi, accompanied by the First Lady of the Maldives, Sajidha Mohamed. This is Muizzu’s second state visit to India in four months and his first bilateral visit.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the Maldivian President will also visit Mumbai and Bengaluru to participate in business events.

India and the Maldives share strong maritime ties, with the Maldives being a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The country holds a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy,’ as stated by the Ministry.

Muizzu last visited India in June to attend PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. However, relations between India and the Maldives faced strains following Muizzu’s rise to power due to his ‘India Out’ campaign, demanding the withdrawal of Indian troops and support staff from the Maldives.

Diplomatic tensions escalated after certain Maldivian ministers used derogatory language against PM Modi following his visit to Lakshadweep. While those ministers were removed from office, tourism in the Maldives took a hit, with a notable decrease in Indian tourist footfall.

Nevertheless, both nations have made efforts to repair their ties, with the Maldives acknowledging India’s crucial role in its economic development, security, and infrastructure projects.