Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, currently on a four-day state visit to India, met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shortly after he arrived in Delhi on Sunday. Jaishankar expressed his optimism about strengthening the India-Maldives relationship, tweeting, Pleased to call on President @MMuizzu today at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his commitment to enhancing the India-Maldives relationship. Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will give a new impetus to our friendly ties.
Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, arrived in Delhi for his second visit to India in four months, but this marks his first official bilateral visit. During his stay from October 6 to October 10, he will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on key bilateral, regional, and global matters. Additionally, Muizzu will meet President Droupadi Murmu and visit Mumbai and Bengaluru to attend various business-related events.
India and the Maldives share a close maritime relationship in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and the Maldives holds a significant position in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
Despite recent tensions following Muizzu’s rise to power, primarily due to his ‘India Out’ campaign calling for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, both nations have made efforts to rebuild ties. The Maldives has recognized India’s key role in its economic growth, security, and infrastructure projects, leading to a renewed focus on cooperation between the two countries.
