Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, elected last year on an "India Out" campaign, arrived in New Delhi on October 6 for a significant state visit aimed at improving diplomatic relations between Maldives and India. Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Muizzu is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior Indian officials during his visit.
This visit is crucial for both nations as they seek to mend previously strained ties. Maldives is attempting to balance its foreign policy between India and China, following Muizzu's earlier campaign advocating for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. In recent months, diplomatic relations have shown signs of improvement, highlighted by mutual visits from high-ranking officials.
In May, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India, which was reciprocated by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's visit to the Maldives in August. India has also demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Maldives by extending a $50 million treasury bill subscription to help the country avoid a potential default on Islamic bond payments.
While Muizzu has dialed down his anti-India rhetoric, he maintains strategic ties with China. At the recent United Nations General Assembly, he clarified that his concerns regarding foreign military presence were not directed at any specific nation, a clear reference to India.