Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is on a state visit to India to improve diplomatic ties and enhance cooperation between the two nations. His visit comes after a period of strained relations, during which he had asked India to remove its soldiers from the Maldives, calling their presence a threat to sovereignty. However, Muizzu has since toned down his anti-India rhetoric and is now focused on strengthening ties with India.
India has been a major investor in the Maldives, with close to $1.5bn invested in various infrastructure projects. While India withdrew its troops from the Maldives earlier this year, it remains cautious of China’s growing presence in the region. Muizzu’s visit to India is seen as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit, Muizzu is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations and address economic challenges facing the Maldives. The country’s foreign reserves have dropped to a record low, and its credit rating has been downgraded by Moody’s. Muizzu’s diplomatic outreach is aimed at attracting investment and support to boost the Maldives’ economy.
Overall, Muizzu’s visit to India marks a significant shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy, as the country seeks to strengthen ties with key partners in the region. The visit is expected to pave the way for increased cooperation and mutual benefits between India and the Maldives.
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