Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has said that he is planning to visit India as soon as possible, highlighting the significance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Speaking on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Muizzu described India-Maldives ties as “very strong.”
This visit, if it takes place, would mark Muizzu’s second trip to India, following his participation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June. While traditionally, newly elected Maldivian presidents have made India their first international destination, Muizzu broke from this precedent by initially visiting Türkiye and China after assuming office earlier this year.
Muizzu’s presidency has seen a more cautious approach toward India-Maldives relations, especially after the diplomatic strain between the two countries over the past year. His election campaign focused heavily on the lines of ‘India Out’. The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party.
Following his election, Muizzu’s government formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel, a process completed by May this year. Last December, the Maldives said it would not renew the Hydrographic Survey agreement made with India.
The relations took a sharp downturn when three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sparking a diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male. The Indian government summoned the Maldivian envoy, registering a formal protest, which led to the suspension of the ministers involved.
Maldives Tourism Ministry data showed, earlier this year, that the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives dropped by 33 per cent as compared to last year.
Despite these tensions, efforts to rebuild relations have been underway. Earlier this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the Maldives, where he and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer inaugurated several community development projects and exchanged MoUs aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Earlier this year, President Muizzu thanked India for its support of the island nation in easing its debt repayment and affirmed hope that New Delhi and Male would forge stronger ties and sign a free trade agreement.
(Inputs from ANI)