Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu planning to visit India “as soon as possible”

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has said that he is planning to visit India as soon as possible, highlighting the significance of the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Speaking on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Muizzu described India-Maldives ties as “very strong.”

This visit, if it takes place, would mark Muizzu’s second trip to India, following his participation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June. While traditionally, newly elected Maldivian presidents have made India their first international destination, Muizzu broke from this precedent by initially visiting Türkiye and China after assuming office earlier this year.

Muizzu’s presidency has seen a more cautious approach toward India-Maldives relations, especially after the diplomatic strain between the two countries over the past year. His election campaign focused heavily on the lines of ‘India Out’. The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party.

Following his election, Muizzu’s government formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel, a process completed by May this year. Last December, the Maldives said it would not renew the Hydrographic Survey agreement made with India.