Muizzu, Modi, Maldives
The Maldives’ President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will be at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony on the 9th of June. These are excerpts from an exclusive chat with the Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer.
“The President feels honoured to attend the historic event,” the Minister said. The Maldives President “looks forward to working with the (Indian)Prime Minister to further strengthen close relations with India. We believe that this visit will demonstrate the positive direction of Maldives-India relations. This is the first visit to India by President Dr Muizzu since his inauguration in November last year. The President will be undertaking this visit accompanied by key ministers, signifying the importance the President gives to the relationship.”
Maldives Foreign Minister Exclusive
We asked the Minister about closure from the past and the start of a new relationship between the two countries. The Maldives, the Foreign Minister told StratNews Global “values the partnership with India, considering India our closest neighbour and development partner.” Also, he said, “The President’s visit to New Delhi with a high-level delegation underscores the significance of the relationship. The President travelling to New Delhi, along with a high-level delegation to participate in this historic event signifies the importance that we give to our relationship.”
Maldives-Indie Ties
All things considered, the Foreign Minister emphasised the President’s policy is to deepen bilateral ties with India. He also mentioned a successful visit in May where both sides “reaffirmed cooperation commitments. We are confident in the President’s visit to strengthening ties,” he reiterated India’s status as the Maldives “closest ally and development partner.” Additionally, the minister stressed the importance of expanding the Maldives-India relationship. Reflecting on a successful May 2024 visit and discussions with the External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, he told StratNews Global, “Both nations are committed to nurturing their partnership for mutual development, with hopes for continued flourishing relations. The Minister told us he anticipates the President’s visit will further enhance the Maldives-India bond. And will “”propel the partnership forward.” Above all, he told StratNews Global, “India’s enduring support as a key ally and partner is acknowledged and appreciated.”
SAGAR in Swearing-in
The others attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony include the President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Vice-President of Seychelles, Ahmed Afif; the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Tshering Tobgay.
