Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has arrived in India for a pivotal state visit aimed at mending strained diplomatic relations. Accompanied by the First Lady, Muizzu plans to meet with Indian leaders to discuss economic cooperation and security. His visit follows a period of recent engagements that indicate improved ties and a strategic balancing of influences between India and China.
On Sunday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in India to commence a significant state visit aimed at revitalizing the strained diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India. Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, President Muizzu touched down at the Air Force Station Palam in New Delhi at approximately 4:30 PM. This visit is pivotal as President Muizzu is scheduled to meet with prominent Indian leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as other high-ranking officials. The visit indicates a potential thaw in previously frayed relations, as the Maldives seeks to navigate its foreign policy between the competing influences of India and China. President Muizzu’s ascent to power in 2023 was significantly influenced by his “India Out” campaign, which called for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. While concerns over foreign military presence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean archipelago were heightened under Muizzu’s leadership, the aircraft originally stationed there remain operational, albeit now managed by a civilian Indian crew. Nevertheless, recent months have witnessed a warming of relations, highlighted by reciprocal visits from Maldivian and Indian officials. For instance, in May, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India, followed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s trip to the Maldives in August. Moreover, India played a crucial role in assisting the Maldives in averting a potential default on Islamic bond payments by extending the subscription of treasury bills worth $50 million for an additional year. This gesture underscores India’s commitment to supporting its maritime neighbor and fostering stability in the region. While President Muizzu is recognized for his pro-China stance, he has recently moderated his rhetoric concerning India, emphasizing that the Maldives’ concerns are directed solely at the presence of foreign military personnel rather than any particular nation. At a recent engagement in the United States, Muizzu articulated, “We have never been against any one country at any point. It’s not ‘India Out’. The Maldives faced a serious problem with foreign military presence on its soil.” In a concerted effort to mitigate tensions with India, President Muizzu has taken disciplinary actions against members of his administration who had made inappropriate remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media. Consequently, two junior ministers, initially suspended for their comments in January, resigned from their posts last month, indicating a significant shift in Muizzu’s approach toward India. The agenda for President Muizzu’s state visit is packed with critical meetings and ceremonial events. Beginning with a meeting with Minister Jaishankar Sunday evening at the ITC Maurya Hotel, the official itinerary includes a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat, a discussion with Prime Minister Modi, and the signing of several agreements focusing on economic collaboration, maritime security, and regional challenges. Furthermore, President Muizzu plans to travel to Mumbai and Bengaluru during his visit, where he will engage with the business community and interact with the Maldivian diaspora to enhance investment ties between the two nations.
The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives has historically been complex, influenced by regional geopolitics and changing leadership in the Maldives. In 2023, the election of President Mohamed Muizzu marked a pivotal moment, primarily due to his campaign’s focus on reducing India’s influence in the Maldives. His administration’s stance was largely shaped by the previous government’s alignment with India, which included the stationing of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. The current visit by President Muizzu signifies efforts to reevaluate and restore cooperative ties, balancing the Maldives’ relationship with both India and China while addressing national concerns regarding foreign military presence.
In summary, President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India represents a crucial step towards repairing the diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, which have been under strain due to Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign. His meetings with Indian leaders are expected to foster discussions on economic cooperation, maritime security, and mutual regional challenges. This visit not only highlights the Maldives’ need to recalibrate its foreign policy amidst competing influences but also signifies both nations’ commitment to strengthening ties and addressing common concerns.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
