Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, in an exclusive interview with India’s StratNewsGlobal, stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy is to deepen bilateral ties with India. This declaration comes during President Muizzu’s visit to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, underscoring the historical friendship between the two nations.
Minister Zameer reflected on a successful visit in May 2024, where both countries “reaffirmed cooperation commitments.” He noted that President Muizzu’s current visit is intended to strengthen these ties further. Minister Zameer emphasised the importance of expanding the India-Maldives friendship, highlighting discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar during the May visit.
“Both nations are committed to nurturing their partnership for mutual development, with hopes for continued flourishing relations,” Minister told StratNewsGlobal. He acknowledged India’s enduring support as a key ally and partner, stressing that the Maldives values its partnership with India, considering it the closest neighbour and development partner.
President Muizzu’s high-level delegation underscores the significance of the relationship between India and the Maldives. Prime Minister Modi, who was elected for a third term, took the oath of office on Sunday at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by leaders from the SAARC region, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, which intensified around the start of 2024 due to derogatory remarks from Maldivian officials close to President Muizzu about Prime Minister Modi, began to dissipate following Minister Zameer’s May 2024 visit. The Maldives state has maintained its position as a close ally of India, inviting the South Asian giant for discussions on strengthening areas of mutual benefit.
The recent diplomatic engagements signal a potential recalibration of the Maldives’ foreign policy, balancing its relations with India and other international partners. Minister Zameer reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to its partnership with India, expressing optimism for continued and flourishing relations.
