Maldivian President Muizzu Visits India to Mend Diplomatic Ties
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu embarked on a significant state visit to India, with the goal of repairing diplomatic ties that have experienced strain in recent years. His arrival in New Delhi marks the beginning of meetings with key Indian leaders aimed at fostering cooperation and addressing economic and security concerns. The visit underscores a shift from previous anti-India sentiments as both nations work towards strengthening their relationship amidst complex regional dynamics.
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, commenced an important state visit to India to mend relations that have recently been tested. Upon his arrival at the Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi, he received a warm welcome from Kiriti Vardhan Singh, the Union minister of state for external affairs. The visit, which began on Sunday, includes critical discussions with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials, aiming to alleviate diplomatic tensions and foster collaboration between the two nations. Historically, the relationship between India and the Maldives has experienced fluctuations, particularly during Muizzu’s ascension to power in 2023, which was marked by the “India Out” campaign. This movement advocated for the expulsion of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives due to concerns over foreign military presence in the strategically significant region. Notably, the dynamics shifted as Indian personnel continued operations through a civilian crew despite calls for their removal. Recent interactions between the countries indicate a warming of relations, exemplified by a visit to India by Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer in May and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s reciprocal visit in August. Furthermore, India extended its financial support to the Maldives, assisting in the avoidance of a potential financial crisis tied to Islamic bond payments by offering a $50 million treasury bill subscription extension. Despite Muizzu’s prior pro-China rhetoric, he has recently moderated his stance towards India. During a previous address at Princeton University, he emphasized that the Maldives’ grievances were regarding all foreign military presence, not targeted at any specific nation: “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.” To further signal a commitment to improve relations, Muizzu has taken steps against members of his administration who publicly disparaged Prime Minister Modi, leading to resignations of junior ministers who had previously made inappropriate comments online. The state visit includes significant engagements such as a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat, direct discussions with Prime Minister Modi, and the potential signing of agreements focused on economic cooperation, maritime security, and regional challenges. Additionally, President Muizzu’s itinerary includes visits to Mumbai and Bengaluru to engage with business leaders and the Maldivian expatriate community, aiming to enhance investment opportunities and economic ties between the two countries.
The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives has been characterized by a series of ups and downs, particularly since the last election cycle. President Mohamed Muizzu’s government initially came into power with a strong anti-India sentiment fueled by the “India Out” campaign, which called for the removal of Indian military personnel from Maldivian soil. This campaign raised existing tensions amid concerns of foreign military influence in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Nevertheless, recent events indicate a willingness on both sides to engage in dialogue and collaboration, reflecting a strategic balancing act between maintaining relations with both India and China.
In conclusion, President Muizzu’s state visit to India signifies a pivotal moment in Maldives-India relations, aiming to repair the diplomatic rift caused by previous tensions. The upcoming discussions and agreements are anticipated to enhance cooperation across various sectors, reflecting a mutual desire for stability and strengthened ties in the region. Muizzu’s more conciliatory approach, coupled with tangible actions to address previous grievances, augurs well for further collaboration between the Maldives and India moving forward.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
