Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s Diplomatic Visit to India

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will visit India from October 6-10 to strengthen bilateral ties. This trip represents his first official visit as president, following earlier diplomatic tensions. It aims to foster cooperation amidst a background of recent positive engagements between the two nations, signaling a potential thaw in relations after his ‘India Out’ campaign reduced reliance on India.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is slated to visit India from October 6 to October 10, marking his inaugural bilateral trip to New Delhi since assuming office in November 2023. This visit follows an earlier appearance at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June, during which he was one of the regional leaders present. The agenda of President Muizzu’s visit will include discussions with Prime Minister Modi aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the bilateral relationship, which had soured under the previous administration. The Foreign Affairs Ministry has highlighted that this state visit underscores India’s desire to mend ties following a period characterized by tension due to Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign that sought to diminish the Maldives’ reliance on India and resulted in the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. In recent months, there have been positive developments indicating a thaw in relations, including visits from the Maldivian Foreign Minister to India and subsequent engagements by Indian officials. Furthermore, India’s assistance in averting potential default on Islamic bond payments in September emphasized the renewed cooperation between the governments. During his time in India, President Muizzu will also meet with President Droupadi Murmu, engage with business communities in Mumbai and Bengaluru, and connect with the Maldivian diaspora. Muizzu has recently moderated his previously strong stance against Indian military presence, asserting that the Maldives does not oppose any individual country but rather the presence of foreign military personnel on its territory. He reiterated his commitment to a constructive foreign policy aimed at strengthening ties with vital nations for the Maldives’ development while condemning disrespectful remarks regarding Indian leaders made by some of his ministers.

The Maldives has a historically complex relationship with India, characterized by significant political shifts and changing alliances. Under President Muizzu, who came to power on a platform that included reducing Indian influence in the Maldives, bilateral ties reached a low point as measures were taken to limit India’s military presence. However, recent diplomatic engagements suggest a potential reconciliation, with both nations seeking to foster greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

President Mohamed Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India represents a strategic effort to mend and enhance the previously strained ties between the Maldives and India. With a focus on cooperation, trade, and cultural exchange, this visit signifies an important turning point in diplomatic relations, indicating a willingness to foster closer connections while navigating the complexities of international alliances.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com