Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, arrived in India on Sunday for a crucial state visit aimed at mending strained diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. The visit marks a significant step toward resetting ties after years of tension.
President Muizzu was received at the Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kiriti Vardhan Singh at around 4:30 PM. His visit is seen as pivotal in improving the diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives, particularly following his rise to power on a platform that once promoted the “India Out” campaign.
Meetings with Indian Leadership
President Muizzu’s agenda includes meetings with top Indian officials, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic ties, improving maritime security, and addressing shared regional challenges. A ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan is scheduled for Monday, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat. The visit also includes the signing of key agreements.
Repairing Strained Relations
Muizzu’s election in 2023 was closely linked to the “India Out” campaign, which called for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. However, despite these earlier anti-India sentiments, Muizzu has since moderated his stance, particularly regarding the foreign military presence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean archipelago. Indian military aircraft, originally at the center of the controversy, remain in the Maldives, operated by a civilian Indian crew.
The recent visit represents a significant thaw in relations between the two countries. The Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer’s visit to India in May, and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s reciprocal trip to the Maldives in August, have set the tone for rebuilding trust. In a gesture of goodwill, India also helped the Maldives avert a financial crisis by extending the subscription of treasury bills worth $50 million, supporting its maritime neighbor’s economic stability.
Balancing Relations with India and China
While President Muizzu has shown a pro-China inclination, his administration is now carefully balancing its foreign policy between India and China. During a visit to the United States last month for the United Nations General Assembly, Muizzu clarified that his government’s concerns were not directed at any particular country but rather at the issue of foreign military personnel on Maldivian soil. “It’s not ‘India Out’. The Maldives faced a serious problem with foreign military presence on its soil,” Muizzu said during an interaction at Princeton University.
In another move signaling improved relations, Muizzu took disciplinary action against members of his government who made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media. Two junior ministers who were suspended earlier this year for their comments ultimately resigned last month.
A Path Forward
The meetings between President Muizzu and Indian leaders are expected to cover a range of topics, from economic cooperation and maritime security to addressing regional challenges like climate change. The visit reflects a willingness by both nations to overcome past differences and strengthen their strategic partnership.
Muizzu’s visit is seen as an opportunity to reset ties and expand cooperation, particularly in light of India’s key role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region. The state visit also highlights the Maldives’ efforts to balance its relations with both India and China, ensuring that its diplomatic and economic ties remain strong with both powers.
Sources By Agencies
