Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visits India to enhance strained diplomatic ties. He is engaged in meetings with Indian officials to focus on economic collaboration and maritime security, addressing previously contentious issues regarding foreign military presence.

President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, arrived in India on Sunday, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, for an important state visit aimed at improving the historically strained diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India. He was welcomed by Kiriti Vardhan Singh, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, at the Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi around 4:30 PM. This visit is pivotal for both nations, signaling a potential reconciliation as the Maldives seeks to navigate its foreign policy amid the competing influences of India and China. The Maldives had been affected by Muizzu’s previous “India Out” campaign, which called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago due to national concerns over foreign military presence. Despite this campaign, Indian personnel remain, although they are now operating under civilian oversight. The relationship between India and the Maldives has shown signs of improvement recently. In May, a visit by the Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India was reciprocated by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar traveling to the Maldives in August. Furthermore, India played a crucial role in assisting the Maldives with its financial obligations by extending a subscription for treasury bills amounting to $50 million. During this visit, Muizzu is expected to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, among other senior officials. These discussions will primarily concentrate on enhancing economic cooperation and maritime security amidst regional challenges. Moreover, Muizzu has been making efforts to mitigate tensions by addressing the behavior of government officials who made inappropriate remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media. Two junior ministers who had previously been suspended for their comments ultimately resigned a month ago, indicating a shift in Muizzu’s diplomatic posture. Muizzu’s itinerary includes a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat, a meeting with Prime Minister Modi, and the signing of various agreements. Additionally, he plans to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru, where he will engage with the business community and connect with the Maldivian diaspora, fostering deeper economic ties between the two nations.

The Maldives’ foreign relations have been significantly influenced by its geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean, where both India and China vie for influence. The recent election of President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023 marked a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy, characterized by the “India Out” campaign and a strong pro-China stance. Muizzu’s administration has been tasked with balancing these relationships effectively, as both countries are key regional stakeholders. The diplomatic strain historically present has been addressed recently through reciprocal visits and essential agreements aimed at revitalizing economic and strategic partnerships.

In conclusion, President Muizzu’s state visit to India is a crucial step in restoring the relationship between the two nations after a period of tension. With a focus on dialogue regarding economic cooperation and regional security, along with efforts to address prior diplomatic grievances, the interactions during this visit are anticipated to foster a more robust partnership moving forward.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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