Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has arrived in New Delhi for his first official visit to India since assuming office last year, signaling a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy towards mending ties with its key economic partner, Al Jazeera reports.
The visit comes amidst a severe economic crisis in the Maldives, with dwindling foreign reserves and a downgraded credit rating.
President Muizzu’s visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhance the longstanding relationship between the two nations, according to a statement from the president’s office. His trip comes after a period of strained relations, triggered by his previous calls to remove Indian troops from the Maldives and his concerns about New Delhi’s influence in the country.
Leading up to the 2023 elections, Muizzu’s Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had promised to expel Indian soldiers deployed in the island nation for humanitarian and medical evacuations. He subsequently made state visits to Turkey and China, seen as a snub to New Delhi, breaking a tradition of Maldivian presidents prioritizing India as their first port of call.
However, since assuming office, President Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric, stating he would not disrupt the regional balance by replacing Indian forces with Chinese troops.
India withdrew its troops in March, while maintaining a diplomatic channel, wary of China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region, including in neighboring Sri Lanka. India has invested close to $1.5 billion in various infrastructure projects in the Maldives.
During his five-day visit, President Muizzu will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials. India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar welcomed President Muizzu, stating that the visit and talks with Modi will give “a new impetus” to the “friendly ties” between the two countries.
