Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will visit India from October 6-10 for his first bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at improving bilateral relations following previous tensions over military presence and foreign policy. Recent ministerial interactions and government support have indicated a thaw in relations, leading up to this significant state visit.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to embark on his inaugural bilateral visit to India from October 6 to October 10, during which he will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit is being interpreted as a significant step towards revitalizing the strained relations between the Maldives and India, following a period marked by diplomatic tensions. Prior to this state visit, President Muizzu had attended Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June alongside other regional leaders. Upon assuming the presidency in November 2023, Mr. Muizzu aligned closely with the ‘India Out’ campaign, which sought to diminish the Maldives’ reliance on India and to request the withdrawal of approximately 85 Indian military personnel stationed in the country. These actions had significantly worsened bilateral relations towards the end of the previous year. Nevertheless, recent developments indicate a potential thawing in the relationship. Notably, the Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India in May, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar traveled to the Maldives in August. In September, India further provided financial support to the Maldives by extending its subscription to $50 million worth of Maldivian treasury bills, helping the island nation avoid default on international bond payments. According to external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, “the visit of President Muizzu to India after the recent visit of the external affairs minister to Maldives is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its relations with the Maldives and is expected to lend further momentum to cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries.” Jaiswal further characterized the Maldives as a vital maritime partner in the Indian Ocean, integral to India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. In a statement from President Muizzu’s office, it was noted that the discussions in India would concentrate on “strengthening bilateral cooperation and further enhancing the longstanding relationship between the two nations.” It was emphasized that Muizzu aims to foster ties with international partners that contribute to the Maldives’ development, ensuring an active and responsive foreign policy. In addition to his dialogues with Prime Minister Modi, President Muizzu will meet with President Droupadi Murmu. He is also scheduled to participate in business-related events in Mumbai and Bengaluru and to engage with the sizable Maldivian diaspora in Bengaluru. Despite his previous pro-China stance, President Muizzu has refrained from escalating rhetoric against India. During a recent visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, he clarified that the Maldives’ concerns were exclusively regarding foreign military presence, stating that “we have never been against any one country at any point. It’s not ‘India Out’.” Furthermore, he indicated that he had taken disciplinary action against ministers who made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi, affirming, “I will not accept insulting anyone like that, whether he is a leader or an ordinary person.” In summary, the upcoming visit of President Muizzu to India signifies a pivotal moment aimed at mending bilateral ties and enhancing cooperative relations between the two nations.
Maldives and India have historically maintained a close bilateral relationship; however, tensions escalated under President Mohamed Muizzu, who campaigned on reducing Indian influence following the controversial ‘India Out’ movement. The recent diplomatic activities, including ministerial visits and financial assistance from India, reveal a potential re-establishment of cooperative engagements. The context surrounding this visit hinges on the Maldives’ geopolitical position and its relationships with major powers, notably India and China.
In conclusion, President Mohamed Muizzu’s impending visit to India marks a significant effort to repair and enhance the bilateral relationship following a period of strain. The discussions are anticipated to foster cooperation and reaffirm India’s significant influence in the region, particularly in relation to the Maldives’ development and security. The diplomatic engagement reflects a broader strategy of India to maintain strong ties with its neighbors in the Indian Ocean region amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
