President Mohamed Muizzu is set to visit India from October 7 to 10, where he will hold important meetings, including one with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit, aimed at strengthening relations between the Maldives and India, marks a significant step in the two countries’ diplomatic ties.
The Chief Spokesperson for the President’s Office, Heena Waleed, confirmed the visit in a post on social media, stating that President Muizzu will be joined by a group of Maldivian ministers. Although the Maldives initially announced that the trip would begin on October 6, India’s External Affairs Ministry clarified that Muizzu will arrive in India on October 7, likely departing from the Maldives late on Sunday.
While there has been no official comment on the specific agenda of the trip, international media reports suggest that the Maldives may be seeking financial assistance from India. However, both governments have remained silent on this matter.
This visit follows a series of ups and downs in Maldives-India relations. Shortly after taking office in November last year, President Muizzu visited China and made critical remarks about India upon returning to the Maldives. Tensions escalated further when senior Maldivian government officials insulted Prime Minister Modi on social media.
Despite these challenges, diplomatic relations between the two nations have been improving in recent months, especially since President Muizzu attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. This visit may signal a further step toward restoring and strengthening the relationship between the two neighboring countries.