World - October 5, 2024

Maldives President to Visit India on Sunday

October 5, 2024

0 3 min read

New Delhi : The President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, will undertake a State visit to India from October 6 to 10. This marks his first official bilateral visit to India as President.

Dr. Muizzu had previously visited India in June 2024 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. More recently, he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the UN General Assembly in New York.

During this visit, President Muizzu is expected to meet with India’s President and engage in high-level discussions with Prime Minister Modi. Their agenda will cover a wide range of topics, including bilateral relations, regional developments, and global issues of mutual interest.

Apart from his meetings in New Delhi, President Muizzu will also visit Mumbai and Bengaluru to participate in key business events aimed at boosting economic ties between the two countries.

The Maldives holds a strategic position as a crucial maritime neighbor to India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It plays a significant role in Prime Minister Modi’s ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’

This visit comes at a critical juncture in India-Maldives relations. Tensions had arisen after Dr. Muizzu assumed office, as his administration initially signaled a shift towards a more balanced foreign policy, placing greater emphasis on relations with China. This approach raised concerns in New Delhi about a potential cooling of the historically strong ties between the two nations.

However, recent diplomatic efforts, including a visit by India’s External Affairs Minister to the Maldives, have helped ease tensions. President Muizzu’s visit is now seen as an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The visit is expected to enhance economic partnerships and deepen cultural and people-to-people ties, reaffirming the Maldives’ strategic importance within India’s regional framework.