India’s External Affairs Minister Meets Maldivian President Amid Strained Relations

Dr. S Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, held discussions with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in the capital city on Monday, against the backdrop of strained relations between the two countries. This encounter occurred shortly after Jaishankar assumed office as a minister in the Narendra Modi-led government.

People familiar with the matter described President Muizzu’s participation in the ceremony as significant, reflecting the Maldivian leadership’s intent to re-engage with India after a period of strained relations. Muizzu, elected last year following an “India Out” campaign, had called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives shortly after taking office.

“Delighted to call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely,” Jaishankar said in a post on X after their meeting.

President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives was among the dignitaries who attended the banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, along with President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka, Vice President Ahmed Afif of Seychelles, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda of Nepal, and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay of Bhutan. The banquet, hosted in honor of the leaders of neighboring countries who attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and his council of ministers, reflects India’s Neighbors First policy, even amid some contentious issues with these nations.

This is a developing story. More information will be added.