Maldives President’s Visit to India

The Union government has announced that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will visit India from 6th-10th October, 2024, marking his first bilateral visit to the country.

Key Points

First Bilateral Visit to India: Maldives President will meet President Draupadi Murmu and hold discussions with Prime Minister on bilateral, regional, and international issues. He will also visit Mumbai and Bengaluru to attend business events.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized Maldives' importance as a key maritime neighbor, highlighting India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the significance of the visit in reinforcing cooperation between the two nations.
Softening of Stance on India: Maldives President recently distanced himself from anti-India sentiments and condemned remarks made by former deputy ministers against Prime Minister Modi.
Recent Diplomatic Developments: After a strain in relations following Maldives President ‘India Out’ campaign, India and Maldives have worked towards improving ties.
India withdrew military personnel earlier this year, and multiple high-level exchanges have taken place since, including visits by Maldives’ Foreign Minister and India’s External Affairs Minister.
Focus on Regional Stability: The visit is seen as a crucial step in restoring bilateral relations and fostering stability in the Indian Ocean Region, with a focus on shared security and economic interests.