Agency :
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, along with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, arrived in India on Sunday for a significant state visit to improve diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Muizzu arrived at the Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi around 4:30 PM, reports Hindustan Times.
He is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials throughout this visit, reports UNB.
This visit indicates a potential thaw in previously strained ties as the Maldives seeks to balance its foreign policy between regional powers India and China.
Muizzu’s ascent to power in 2023 was fueled by an “India Out” campaign advocating for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
He had raised concerns about foreign troops operating in the strategically significant Indian Ocean archipelago.
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However, the aircraft remains in the country and is being operated by a civilian Indian crew.
In recent months, the relationship has shown signs of improvement, with both nations taking steps to close the diplomatic gap.
In May, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India, followed by Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s trip to the Maldives in August.
Besides, India assisted the Maldives in avoiding a potential default on Islamic bond payments by extending the subscription of treasury bills worth $50 million for another year, highlighting India’s commitment to supporting its maritime neighbor.
Muizzu, who is known for his pro-China stance, has recently tried to navigate a delicate balance by softening his rhetoric against India while maintaining strategic ties with Beijing.
During a visit to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly last month, he emphasized that the Maldives’ concerns were specifically about the presence of foreign military personnel rather than directed at any particular nation.
To ease tensions with New Delhi, Muizzu has taken action against government members who made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media.
Two junior ministers who were suspended in January for their comments ultimately resigned from their positions last month, signaling a shift in Muizzu’s approach toward India.