President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar today, marking a significant step towards enhancing the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The meeting took place during President Muizzu’s visit to India, which was prompted by an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend his oath-taking ceremony.
After their meeting, Minister Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm on social media platform X, stating, “Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely.” Jaishankar, who has resumed his role as Minister of External Affairs in Prime Minister Modi’s newly formed government, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between India and the Maldives.
This visit marks President Muizzu’s first trip to India since taking office on 17 November last year. His presence at Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony signifies a positive move towards mending and strengthening the previously strained relations between the two countries.
In addition to the bilateral meeting, President Muizzu attended an official banquet hosted by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in honour of the leaders of neighbouring countries who attended the swearing-in ceremony.
Prime Minister Modi met with visiting leaders, including President Muizzu, after the ceremony. He thanked them for attending and reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR Vision’. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that in his third term, India will continue to work for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the region through close partnerships with neighbouring countries. He called for deeper people-to-people ties and enhanced connectivity within the region, underscoring the importance of mutual cooperation.
President Muizzu was accompanied on this visit by Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer and Minister of Finance Dr Mohamed Shafeeq, further underscoring the significance of this diplomatic engagement.
President Muizzu’s visit to India not only marks a step towards deepening bilateral ties but also reaffirms the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship with India, benefiting both nations and contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
