Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s Upcoming State Visit to…

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will visit India from October 6-10, 2023, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties after a period of tension following his ‘India Out’ campaign. This visit is significant as it highlights India’s renewed commitment to cooperation with the Maldives. Muizzu is set to hold discussions with Prime Minister Modi and participate in business events while addressing concerns over foreign military presence.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to visit India from October 6 to 10, 2023. This will mark his first official bilateral visit to India since assuming office, although he previously attended Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June 2023. The primary objective of this visit is to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation and to enhance the longstanding ties between India and the Maldives. This visit has been designated as a state visit, indicating India’s commitment to improving relations following a period of strained interactions, which were instigated by Muizzu’s pro-‘India Out’ campaign that took office in late 2023. During his presidency, Muizzu had initiated efforts to lessen the Maldives’ dependence on India and had requested the withdrawal of approximately 85 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. However, recent diplomatic exchanges have indicated a thaw in relations, with notable visits by the Maldivian Foreign Minister to India in May and by India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to the Maldives in August. Furthermore, India’s financial assistance to the Maldives, particularly in the form of an extended subscription to treasury bills to prevent defaults on Islamic bond payments, underscores a renewed collaboration. The Indian External Affairs Ministry emphasized the significance of this visit for strengthening cooperation and fostering people-to-people connections. President Muizzu is anticipated to engage in discussions not only with Prime Minister Modi but also with President Droupadi Murmu, alongside participating in business events in Mumbai and Bengaluru while interacting with the sizeable Maldivian diaspora present in India. In recent remarks, President Muizzu downplayed previous conflictual rhetoric, clarifying that the Maldives’ apprehension was specifically regarding foreign military presence rather than opposition to any particular country. He noted, ‘We have never been against any one country at any point. It’s not ‘India Out’. The Maldives faced a serious problem with foreign military presence on its soil.’ Muizzu has also reiterated his stance against derogatory remarks targeting foreign leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, fostering an environment conducive to diplomatic engagement. Overall, the upcoming visit of President Muizzu is indicative of a broader intention to revitalize and reinforce bilateral ties with India, amidst a backdrop of improved diplomatic relations.

The backdrop to President Mohamed Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India revolves around the complexities of Maldives-India relations, particularly following Muizzu’s election in November 2023, which was characterized by an ‘India Out’ campaign aimed at reducing Indian influence in Maldivian affairs. This tension initiated a significant downturn in relations, sparking concerns over India’s military presence in the Maldives. In contrast, recent engagements and assurances from both nations have pointed toward a potential diplomatic thaw, aimed at enhancing cooperation in maritime security and economic development. Therefore, this visit is positioned as pivotal for setting a constructive agenda for future interactions between the two countries, mirroring a shift in political rhetoric and diplomatic frameworks.

In conclusion, President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to India from October 6 to 10, 2023, is anticipated to serve as a crucial step in mending bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. While the past year has been marked by significant tensions and calls for reducing Indian military presence, recent diplomatic gestures suggest a willingness from both nations to restore and enhance cooperation. Muizzu’s dialogues with Indian leadership are expected to focus on improving multifaceted bilateral ties, reinforcing people-to-people relations, and addressing mutual interests in regional stability and development.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com