Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu stated on Friday that his country maintains a robust bilateral relationship with India and he is eager to visit as soon as possible. “I am planning to visit (India) as soon as possible. We have a very strong bilateral relationship,” Muizzu noted. Reports suggest his visit might occur in mid-October.
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#WATCH | New York, US: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu says, "I am planning to visit (India) as soon as possible. We have a very strong bilateral relationship." pic.twitter.com/N4zlawApPp
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2024
Muizzu last traveled to New Delhi to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in on June 9, alongside leaders from six other regional nations. He previously mentioned that while the Maldives has no issues with India, its citizens oppose any foreign military presence. Speaking at Princeton University during his visit to the USA for the United Nations General Assembly, Muizzu emphasized, “Even one foreign military personnel in Maldives is not something the Maldivian people accept. But being them coming from India doesn’t mean we’re against India.” He clarified that the objection would remain regardless of the military’s origin.
Since Muizzu’s administration took office in November 2023, India-Maldives relations have been strained. His campaign featured an “India-out” policy that sought the removal of Indian military personnel, which was quickly implemented by replacing them with civilians. Tensions heightened further when derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi were made by Maldivian officials, resulting in backlash and the suspension of those involved.