Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will undertake a state visit to India from October 6-10, 2023, marking his first bilateral engagement with India since taking office. The visit aims to strengthen ties after a period of diplomatic tensions, involving discussions with Indian leadership on bilateral cooperation, economic relations, and interactions with the Maldivian diaspora. Recent signs of thawing relations have emerged, with high-level exchanges and financial support from India to the Maldives.
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives is set to embark on a state visit to India from October 6 to October 10, 2023. This marks his first bilateral engagement with India since assuming office. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation and ties between the two nations, particularly following a period of strained relations characterized by Muizzu’s prior ‘India Out’ campaign, which sought to diminish the Maldives’ dependence on India, including the demand for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country. Despite past diplomatic tensions, recent developments suggest a thawing of relations. Notably, high-level exchanges have occurred between both nations, including Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer’s visit to India earlier this year, and the subsequent visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the Maldives. Additionally, India has assisted the Maldives financially, helping to secure its Islamic bond payments by extending a subscription to the Maldives’ treasury bills. As part of his agenda, President Muizzu will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, addressing various bilateral and international matters. Furthermore, Muizzu will interact with the Maldivian diaspora during business events in Mumbai and Bengaluru, demonstrating a commitment to fostering economic and cultural ties. Muizzu has recently moderated his previous stance towards India, indicating a willingness to engage positively and acknowledging that the Maldives does not oppose any country except for the military presence. This nuanced approach suggests potential for renewed diplomatic and economic collaboration between the two nations.
The relationship between the Maldives and India has gone through significant fluctuations, especially in recent years. Following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in November 2023, the Maldives initiated moves to reduce its reliance on India, stemming from sentiments expressed during his campaign. The controversies surrounding Indian military presence in the Maldives led to considerable diplomatic tensions. However, recent exchanges and cooperative gestures from India indicate a desire to mend and reinforce these bilateral ties, which are crucial in the context of regional security and economic collaboration.
President Muizzu’s upcoming visit to India signifies a pivotal moment in Maldives-India relations, aiming to restore and enhance bilateral cooperation that has been hampered in recent years. The planned discussions between key leaders and the emphasis on economic ties reflect a mutual recognition of the importance of dialogue and collaboration amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. As relations evolve, the commitment from both parties to engage constructively may pave the way for a stable and fruitful partnership moving forward.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
