Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is set to embark on a significant five-day state visit to India from October 6 to October 10. This visit follows an official invitation from Indian President Droupadi Murmu. It marks Muizzu's first bilateral visit since taking office, and it is anticipated to strengthen the ties between the two nations.
During this visit, President Muizzu will engage in high-level discussions with key Indian leaders, including President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These meetings aim to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation, focusing on the long-standing relationship between India and the Maldives.
The President's Office in the Maldives has emphasised Muizzu's commitment to fostering relations with countries that are vital to the development of the Maldives. The discussions will likely address various aspects of the bilateral ties, including trade, tourism, and security.
Earlier this year, Muizzu attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the newly formed Council of Ministers in India. He also met with Modi during the COP28 summit in Dubai last December.
This visit is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the relationship between India and the Maldives has been navigating through some challenges. The Maldives has historically relied on India for development assistance, and numerous projects funded by India have significantly benefited the Maldivian people.
Accompanying President Muizzu on this trip is a high-level delegation, which is expected to engage in business activities during visits to Mumbai and Bengaluru.
This is indicative of the growing economic ties between the two nations, and the Maldivian government is keen to strengthen trade and investment relations with India.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India has expressed the importance it places on its relationship with the Maldives, and this visit is expected to further enhance people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The diplomatic landscape has shifted in recent times, particularly after Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. His election campaign was characterised by a strong "India Out" stance, advocating for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.
This shift has created a more complex backdrop for Muizzu's current visit. While the relationship faced strains, both nations are now looking to reinvigorate their ties and focus on cooperation.
Despite the challenges, India remains committed to supporting the Maldives through various development projects, which have had a meaningful impact on the lives of many Maldivians.
The importance of Muizzu's visit cannot be understated, as it serves as an opportunity for both nations to reassess and strengthen their diplomatic and economic links.
The recent visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the Maldives is a testament to India's dedication to fostering strong relations with the island nation.
During Jaishankar's visit, discussions highlighted the strategic importance of the Maldives in India's broader foreign policy goals, particularly under its "Neighbourhood First" initiative. This visit was crucial in maintaining the momentum of diplomatic engagements between the two countries.
On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, President Muizzu reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the relationship with India. He expressed eagerness to visit India soon and acknowledged the robust bilateral relationship that exists between the two nations.
Traditionally, the first foreign visit of a Maldivian president has been to India. However, President Muizzu diverged from this norm by first visiting Turkey and then China after assuming office. This change in tradition reflects his government's approach to foreign policy, which has sought to balance relations with multiple countries.
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