President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation, has departed for India on an official state visit. This trip marks President Muizzu’s inaugural state visit to India, following an invitation from Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
Travel Arrangements
The Maldivian delegation traveled on a special flight arranged by the Indian government, a customary honor extended to Maldivian Presidents. The visit is scheduled from October 7 to October 9 and includes stops in key cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Delegation Composition
Accompanying President Muizzu are prominent cabinet members, including:
- Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah Khaleel
- Defense Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon
- Finance Minister Moosa Zameer
They are joined by other senior officials, who will participate in high-level business meetings and bilateral discussions during the trip.
Welcome Preparations
The streets of New Delhi have been adorned with the flags of both India and the Maldives in anticipation of President Muizzu’s arrival. An official welcome ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow morning, where he will receive a formal greeting from Indian officials.
Key Meetings and Discussions
During his visit, President Muizzu is set to meet with President Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen ties between the two nations. His first meeting will take place this evening with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
The state visit will also feature official discussions and the signing of agreements with Indian leadership tomorrow, aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors.
Engagement with the Maldivian Community
In a notable engagement, President Muizzu will meet with the Maldivian community in India later today, emphasizing the importance of the diaspora in fostering bilateral relations.
This trip follows President Muizzu’s earlier visit to India in June for Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, where both leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations. The current visit signifies a positive shift in Maldives-India relations after the resolution of recent tensions, including the withdrawal of Indian military personnel as pledged by President Muizzu.
