Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will visit India from October 6-10 for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state visit aims to strengthen ties following recent diplomatic efforts to improve relations after a period of tension marked by Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign. The discussions will encompass various bilateral and regional issues, reflecting a potential thaw in previously strained relations.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to undertake a state visit to India from October 6 to October 10. This visit marks his inaugural bilateral engagement with India since assuming office in November 2023, following a significant shift in his administration’s foreign policy, which prioritized reducing the Maldives’ reliance on India. President Muizzu aims to revitalize bilateral cooperation with India, building on previous diplomatic exchanges, including his attendance at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June. The Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that this visit signifies New Delhi’s intent to mend and enhance relations that had deteriorated amidst previous tensions, particularly following the pro-“India Out” campaign that led to a call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. Recent diplomatic maneuvers, including visits by Maldivian and Indian officials, suggest a warming trend, culminating in India’s financial assistance to the Maldives to avert a default on bond payments. During his time in India, President Muizzu will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Modi and meet with President Droupadi Murmu to address various bilateral, regional, and international issues. His agenda also includes participating in business events in Mumbai and Bengaluru, and connecting with the sizable Maldivian expatriate community residing in Bangalore. Muizzu has recently exhibited a tempered stance towards India, emphasizing that the Maldives holds no animosity towards any country but remains opposed to any foreign military presence on its soil. The visit seeks to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the two nations, reaffirming the Maldives’ position as a crucial maritime neighbor in India’s security and growth strategy in the Indian Ocean region.
The relationship between the Maldives and India has historically been characterized by cooperative engagement, particularly in security and economic domains. However, recent years have seen fluctuations marked by political campaigns in the Maldives, notably the ‘India Out’ movement, which aimed to lessen Indian influence in the island nation. President Mohamed Muizzu’s election in November 2023 was significantly influenced by this sentiment. Nevertheless, diplomatic engagements have increased recently, signaling a potential thaw in relations as both nations navigate their strategic interests in the region.
In summary, President Mohamed Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India represents a pivotal moment for Maldivian-Indian relations. It aims to reinvigorate bilateral cooperation after a period of tensions, focusing on shared interests while ensuring a balanced foreign policy. This visit is expected to enhance ties not only at the governmental level but also among the people, fostering greater collaboration and mutual understanding between the two nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
