India’s Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on Tuesday that he had held positive discussions with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu during his visit to India.
Based on his experiences in regards to the Maldives, coupled with discussions with President Muizzu, Jaishankar said he had a fruitful meeting with Muizzu during a call on the President who was visiting India to attend Narendra Modi’s inauguration. Jaishankar was speaking during a press conference after he was reappointed as Eternal Affairs Minister by Modi who was sworn in as Prime Minister (PM) for a third term on Sunday.
Jaishankar, who has visited the Maldives thrice in his capacity as External Affairs Minister, said that India will always prioritise improving relations with its neighbours.
“Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely. @MMuizzu [President Mohamed Muizzu] 🇮🇳 🇲🇻,” the Indian Minister had posted to social media earlier on Monday.
Muizzu’s visit to India at the invitation of Modi—his first to the nation since assuming office in November 2023—is expected to strengthen the strained relations between the two nations.
Relations between the Maldives and India have improved after some initial friction as the new administration took office. The Muizzu administration was voted in on a campaign heavily advocating eliminating any ‘foreign military’ in the Maldives which observers widely acknowledged as the Indian military presence in the country. Muizzu, in the lead-up and immediate assumption of office, had staunchly advocated for the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives — an objective that was only just achieved last month.
Modi and Muizzu during interactions after Modi was elected for a third term in office, have exchanged messages of strengthening bilateral relations and mutual cooperation.
Muizzu, in addition to meeting with Jaishankar and Modi, also met with Indian President Droupadi Murmu during his visit.
The President, after attending the Indian PM’s inauguration, returned to the Maldives early on Tuesday.
