Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu Plans Visit to India Amid Strengthening Ties
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to visit India soon, emphasizing the strong relationship between the two nations. Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Muizzu said, “I am planning to visit (India) as soon as possible…We have a very strong bilateral relationship.”
This will be Muizzu’s second visit to India, following his first in June for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. Traditionally, Maldivian presidents made their first foreign visit to India, but Muizzu initially visited Turkiye and China after taking office earlier this year.
Muizzu’s government has taken steps to mend ties with India after a period of diplomatic tension. His presidential campaign focused on the ‘India Out’ slogan, advocating for the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives. The withdrawal was completed in May this year.
However, relations soured when three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi, leading to their suspension. Despite this, efforts to strengthen ties continue. In August, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited the Maldives, inaugurating community development projects with Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer.
Earlier this year, President Muizzu thanked India for its support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment and expressed hope for stronger ties and a potential free trade agreement.
Doubts Revealed
Maldives -: The Maldives is a small island country in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters.
President Mohamed Muizzu -: Mohamed Muizzu is the current President of the Maldives, a leader who helps run the country.
India -: India is a large country in South Asia, known for its diverse culture, languages, and history.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, the leader who helps run the country.
Swearing-in ceremony -: A swearing-in ceremony is an event where a person officially takes on a new job, often by making a promise to do their best.
Diplomatic tensions -: Diplomatic tensions are disagreements or problems between two countries.
Deputy ministers -: Deputy ministers are officials who help the main ministers in the government with their work.
Derogatory comments -: Derogatory comments are mean or disrespectful things said about someone.
Bilateral relations -: Bilateral relations are the connections and interactions between two countries.
