Describing his first official visit to India as a significant milestone, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Upon returning from the trip, Muizzu remarked that the visit was a "success" not just for the Maldives but for the region as well, and hoped for increased prosperity for Maldivians.
"This trip has been a success for the Maldives and for the region too," Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, told state-run PSM Media at the conclusion of his visit.
He attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his council of ministers. Modi, who was sworn in for a record consecutive third term, hosted heads of states from India's neighborhood and the Indian Ocean region at the ceremony.
Muizzu expressed his delight at receiving Prime Minister Modi’s invitation and attending the event. He also appreciated the high-level meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
“God willing, the strong ties between the two nations will result in increased prosperity for the Maldives and Maldivians alike,” Muizzu stated.
Earlier, a statement from the Maldivian Foreign Ministry highlighted President Muizzu’s participation in the banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honor of the visiting dignitaries.
During their meeting, President Murmu conveyed her greetings to the new government and people of the Maldives, expressing confidence in the island nation's continued prosperity under Muizzu's leadership. She also hoped that India-Maldives relations would strengthen further in the coming years.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with President Muizzu. In a post on X, he expressed his anticipation for India and the Maldives working closely together.
Muizzu, who took office last November, had his first official visit to India nearly six months later. Unlike his predecessors, who prioritised visits to New Delhi after assuming office, Muizzu first traveled to Turkiye and then to China for his state visit in January.
The visit to India comes after a period of strained relations between the two nations. Immediately after his oath, Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives. The Indian military personnel were replaced by Indian civilians last month.
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