Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Monday. Known for his inclination towards China, Muizzu, is on a five-day trip to India to mend the island nation’s ties with New Delhi, months after a diplomatic fiasco triggered by his ministers’ objectionable remarks against PM Modi.
Muizzu’s India trip coincides with the Maldives’ financial crunch, which is exacerbated by the country’s dwindling foreign currency reserves.
Earlier, before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has flagged the need for financial aid to his country. Mr Muizzu also said that Maldives will not act to undermine India’s security and views New Delhi as a “valued partner and friend”, with cooperation in several fields – including defence – will “always be a priority”.
“Delhi is fully cognisant of Maldives’ fiscal situation and will always be ready to ease the burden as one of its biggest development partners”, added Mr Muizzu.
Muizzu has reached New Delhi on his first bilateral State visit — he was here four months ago to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the third Modi government. He was received at the airport by Minister of State (External Affairs) Kirti Vardhan Singh. During his five-day visit — from October 6 to 10 — he will also travel to Agra, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
#WATCH | Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu signs the visitor’s book after laying a wreath at Rajghat, in Delhi. His wife Sajidha Mohamed is also with him. pic.twitter.com/YenyQ9eARS
— ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2024
Mr Muizzu, while not naming China, also underlined his administration’s resolve to “fostering growth and development through diverse international collaborations”. He flagged his ‘Maldives First’ policy, saying “it is essential for the Maldives to diversify international relations and reduce over-dependence on any one country”.
#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister @narendramodi receive #Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu @MMuizzu as he arrives at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/ULF1pRTGwI
— DD India (@DDIndialive) October 7, 2024
