President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has commenced a crucial state visit to India, aimed at repairing strained diplomatic ties. His meetings with Indian leaders are expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in economic and maritime security domains. Recent actions have signaled a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy approach, especially regarding relations with India amidst regional geopolitical tensions.
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has arrived in India for a significant state visit aimed at mending the historically strained diplomatic relations between the two countries. His arrival, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, took place on Sunday at approximately 4:30 PM at the Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi. A welcoming ceremony was hosted by Kiriti Vardhan Singh, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs. During his visit, President Muizzu is scheduled to convene with high-ranking officials, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit marks an important transition in diplomatic relations, as both nations have been actively working towards rectifying past tensions. The Maldives has sought to balance its foreign relations, particularly amid influences from both India and China. Muizzu’s presidency commenced in 2023 amid an “India Out” campaign, which advocated for the expulsion of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, citing concerns over foreign military presence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region. However, the Indian crew continues to operate within the Maldives. Recent months have seen a thawing in relations, evidenced by reciprocal visits from the Maldivian foreign minister and India’s external affairs minister, and India’s recent financial assistance to help the Maldives avoid potential financial instability. Although Muizzu has been recognized for his pro-China tendencies, he has moderated his public stance towards India. During a recent engagement at Princeton University, he emphasized the Maldives’ concerns were not directed at any single country but rather the broader issue of foreign military presence: “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 mend ties with India, Muizzu has taken disciplinary actions against members of his government who made derogatory comments about Indian officials on social media. This change in leadership dynamics signifies an intentional shift towards improving relations. The state visit includes several ceremonial events and meetings designed to foster bilateral cooperation. These will take place beginning with a meeting with Jaishankar at Hotel ITC Maurya on Sunday evening. A formal ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan will follow, along with a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat, discussions with Prime Minister Modi, and the signing of various agreements aimed at bolstering economic cooperation and maritime security while addressing shared regional challenges. Following his engagements in New Delhi, President Muizzu will also travel to Mumbai and Bengaluru to engage with business leaders and the Maldivian community, with the goal of enhancing investment relations and economic collaboration between the two nations.
The Maldives has historically experienced fluctuating diplomatic relations with India, largely influenced by internal politics and external alliances, particularly with China. President Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed office in 2023, previously advocated for an ‘India Out’ campaign, expressing opposition to Indian military presence in the Maldives. However, recent diplomatic actions signal a shift towards reconciliation, as both nations recognize the strategic importance of their partnership amid regional powers. The Maldives’ reliance on Indian support for economic stability further underscores the necessity for renewed dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India signifies a pivotal moment in Maldives-India relations, with both nations making concerted efforts to mend diplomatic rifts. Through high-level meetings and discussions focused on mutual economic interests and regional stability, the visit underscores the Maldives’ strategic balancing act between India and China. Muizzu’s measured approach and recent engagements further highlight a commitment to fostering a cooperative atmosphere that benefits both nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
