Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visits India, calls upon Indian tourists to return to Maldives

PTC Web Desk:  Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, emphasising the nation's commitment to regional security, assured that the Maldives will not take any actions that could undermine India’s interests. As he arrived in New Delhi for his first official bilateral visit, he described India as a "valued partner and friend" and highlighted that cooperation in areas like defense will "always be a priority."

Muizzu, often perceived as a leader with a 'pro-China' stance due to his campaign’s 'India Out' rhetoric, sought to reassure India about the Maldives’ intentions. He said Maldives' relationship with India is "built on respect and shared interests". He said New Delhi had been one of the Maldives' largest trade and development partners over the years.

Upon arrival, Muizzu was welcomed with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, attended by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He later visited Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi before engaging in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House.

During the discussions, Muizzu underscored his administration's commitment to regional stability while balancing international partnerships. Although he did not directly mention China, he highlighted the need for the Maldives to diversify its international relations and avoid over-reliance on any single country through a 'Maldives First' policy. He reassured that these efforts would not compromise India’s interests, emphasising the importance of maintaining regional stability.

“Maldives would never do anything to undermine India’s security... our actions will not compromise the stability of our region,” said Muizzu. He also called upon Indian tourists to return to the Maldives, stressing their positive impact on the country's key tourism sector, which experienced a decline last year due to a diplomatic dispute.

This visit marks a new chapter in Maldives-India relations after a period of diplomatic tension. The friction arose last year following comments from three Maldivian ministers criticising Prime Minister Modi and suggesting Lakshadweep as an alternate tourist destination to the Maldives. The Maldives’ Foreign Ministry distanced itself from these remarks, leading to the suspension of the ministers, two of whom resigned just before Mr. Muizzu's visit.

Another point of contention was the removal of 90 Indian military personnel from three aviation platforms gifted to the Maldives. The Maldives President clarified that the move was in line with the desires of his people, who expressed concerns over the presence of foreign troops on Maldivian soil. Despite this, he emphasised that India remains a key partner in maintaining regional stability.

Reflecting on the long-standing ties between the two countries, Muizzu said, “This historic relationship is intertwined like the roots of a tree... built on centuries of exchange and values shared.

Muizzu also highlighted key India-backed infrastructure projects, such as the Greater Male connectivity scheme and water and sewerage facilities for 28 islands, as examples of India’s significant role in Maldives’ development.