President Muizzu Set to Embark on Official Visit to India
The President's Office announced today that preparations are underway for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to make an official visit to India in the near future.
Speaking at a press conference, Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed that both nations are currently finalizing a mutually agreeable date for the visit. However, she did not disclose further details regarding the agenda or the specific timing of the trip.
This will be President Muizzu’s first official visit to India since assuming office on November 17. He had previously visited India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony after his re-election for a third term, but has yet to undertake an official state visit.
Relations between the Maldives and India have been strained since President Muizzu took office, primarily due to the ‘India-out’ campaign that surged during the previous administration. The campaign called for the immediate removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, leading to protests and rising tensions between the two nations. The situation further escalated after three deputy state ministers from the Muizzu government made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi on social media in response to a tourism video promoting Lakshadweep.
Although the deputy ministers were suspended following public outcry, the diplomatic strain led to a widespread campaign in India calling for a boycott of Maldivian tourism. The campaign, which garnered the support of several Bollywood celebrities and cricket stars, resulted in a noticeable decline in Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives.
Despite these challenges, diplomatic ties have shown signs of improvement in recent months. President Muizzu met with Prime Minister Modi during his last visit to India, signaling a potential thaw in relations. In addition, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer recently traveled to India for official discussions, while Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made a visit to the Maldives in August.
Notably, by May 10, the Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives had left the country and were replaced by Indian civilian workers. The Dornier aircraft and two helicopters, which had been gifted by India to the Maldives, have also resumed operations, further indicating a positive shift in the bilateral relationship.
As President Muizzu prepares for his upcoming visit, hopes are high that this trip will help solidify efforts to restore and strengthen ties between the two nations.