Delhi has yet to decide on which representative will attend President-elect Mohamed Muizzu’s Inauguration, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed.
Indian MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi was quoted as saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been invited to attend the inauguration but that India had yet to decide who will attend, or in which capacity.
The President-elect’s office had earlier said that invitations had been sent to foreign leaders, including those from all countries in the region, to attend the inauguration. Spokesperson at the Office of the President-elect, Mohamed Firuzul Abdulla Khaleel had earlier addressed media reports that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the invitees, clarifying that invitations were extended to nations, and that those nations included India.
“This invitation is for the country, not for any particular person in the country. Especially in cases where more than one person may be considered a leader, for example, a President [as a head of state] or prime minister [as a head of government],” Khaleel said, speaking to local media.
“India Out” had been a slogan and rallying call for the opposition during Muizzu’s presidential campaign, echoing the sentiments of a large portion of the population, for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. Muizzu has reiterated his belief, both during his campaign and after being elected, that the permanent or long term presence of Indian troops, and other foreign troops, posed a significant threat to the nation’s sovereignty.
Modi had congratulated Muizzu on his victory on social media, saying India and Maldives would continue to strengthen their long-standing ties.