GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Oct. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday for extensive discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, which have faced challenges over the past year. President Muizzu arrived in India on Sunday evening for a four-day visit, marking his first official trip since taking office in November.
“Taking forward India-Maldives special ties! PM @narendramodi warmly received President @MMuizzu of Maldives as the latter arrived at Hyderabad House. Extensive discussions on India-Maldives bilateral relations lie ahead,” stated External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal on social media platform X.
Earlier in the day, Muizzu received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, where President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi were present. The Maldivian leader was also honored with a tri-services guard of honor before visiting Rajghat to pay his respects at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial.
The relationship between India and the Maldives has experienced significant strain since Muizzu’s rise to power, as he is known for his pro-China inclinations. His election campaign last year prominently featured an “India out” stance, calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives by May. Additionally, there were tensions when some Maldivian ministers made disparaging remarks about Modi.
However, Muizzu has since moderated his anti-India rhetoric and even dismissed ministers who criticized the Indian Prime Minister. In light of the Maldives facing serious economic challenges, India has stepped in to provide crucial budgetary support, including the rollover of a USD 50 million Treasury Bill for another year.
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