Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Monday. Muizzu, who has shown a leaning towards China in the past, is on a five-day visit to India aimed at improving ties between the island nation and New Delhi. This visit comes just months after a diplomatic issue caused by his ministers’ remarks against PM Modi.
Muizzu’s visit also coincides with the Maldives facing economic challenges, including a severe shortage of foreign currency reserves.
Upon his arrival in India on Sunday, Muizzu met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in welcoming the Maldivian President, while Muizzu thanked the Indian government for the warm reception.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally welcomed President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed. The Maldivian delegation also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat in New Delhi.