Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for his first official bilateral visit to India. During the visit, scheduled from October 6-10, President Muizzu is set to meet President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior Indian officials. The visit follows an official invitation extended by President Murmu, marking a significant step in rekindling India-Maldives relations after recent tensions.
Muizzu’s arrival in India comes shortly after his remarks at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where he praised the robust bilateral ties between the two nations. Speaking to ANI, he stated his intention to visit India “as soon as possible” and reaffirmed the “very strong” relationship shared between India and the Maldives.
While this is President Muizzu’s second visit to India this year—having attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in June—his foreign visits have taken an unconventional path. Traditionally, Maldivian presidents have made their first foreign visit to India. However, after assuming office, Muizzu first visited Turkiye and China, reflecting a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy.
Muizzu’s presidential campaign was notably centered around an “India Out” policy, which called for the removal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives. This led to a strain in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. However, in a recent shift in tone, Muizzu has adopted a more reconciliatory approach, expressing gratitude to India for its financial assistance and referring to India as one of the Maldives’ “closest” allies.
This visit aims to restore and strengthen the historical ties between the two nations, signaling a new chapter in India-Maldives relations. Both countries are expected to discuss avenues for further cooperation, including economic development and regional security.
