Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will visit India from October 6-10 for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an attempt to strengthen ties following a period of tension. His agenda will focus on enhancing cooperation between the two countries amid recent positive diplomatic exchanges. This visit represents a potential turning point in the Maldives’ foreign relations.
From October 6 to October 10, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is set to visit India, marking his first official bilateral engagement with the country since assuming office in November 2023. The visit comes after a period of tense relations precipitated by Muizzu’s previous ‘India Out’ campaign, during which he sought to reduce the Maldives’ reliance on India and called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago. The External Affairs Ministry of India has emphasized that this state visit is intended to revitalize and strengthen bilateral ties, which had deteriorated in recent months. The nature of this visit is significant, suggesting New Delhi’s commitment to re-establishing positive relations with the Maldives. Notably, President Muizzu has taken a more conciliatory approach in recent months, altering his tone regarding India and expressing a desire to foster stronger diplomatic connections. During his time in India, President Muizzu is scheduled to hold crucial discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will also meet President Droupadi Murmu. His agenda includes addressing bilateral, regional, and international issues and enhancing the longstanding friendship between the two nations. In addition to political meetings, Muizzu plans to engage with the Maldivian diaspora in significant Indian cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, focusing on promoting business collaborations and investments. Overall, this visit represents both countries’ aspirations to mend fences following the previous tensions and to reinforce mutual cooperation across various sectors, including trade and defense.
The Maldives has traditionally been a key maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean, with historical and cultural ties binding the two nations. However, relations have soured in recent years, notably under the leadership of President Mohamed Muizzu, who campaigned on an anti-India platform. Following his election, there were clear indicators of strained diplomatic relations, particularly concerning the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. Nevertheless, recent diplomatic activities, including visits by foreign ministers of both nations, suggest a thawing of relations and willingness to reevaluate the partnership. The upcoming visit by President Muizzu is a pivotal moment to solidify this new trajectory.
In summary, President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to India will be a critical opportunity to enhance and stabilize relations that had previously become fraught with tension. With an agenda focusing on bilateral cooperation and an intent to build robust people-to-people connections, both leaders are committed to working through the challenges of the past. This visit symbolizes a new chapter in Maldivian-Indian relations, promoting collaboration and shared growth in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
