Maldives President Muizzu in India, to meet PM Modi today
Ahead of his bilateral meeting Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has flagged the need for financial aid to his country, saying Delhi is “fully cognisant” of the island nation’s fiscal situation and will always be ready to “ease the burden” as one of Male’s biggest development partners.
Ties between the two countries have been under strain ever since Muizzu rode to power last November on an ‘India Out’ election plank.
Muizzu reached New Delhi Sunday on his first bilateral State visit — he was here four months ago to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the third Modi government. He was received at the airport by Minister of State (External Affairs) Kirti Vardhan Singh. During his five-day visit — from October 6 to 10 — he will also travel to Agra, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on President Muizzu and, in a post on X, said “appreciate his commitment to enhance” the relationship between India and Maldives. He said he was confident that the President’s talks with the Prime Minister on Monday “will give a new impetus to our friendly ties”.
Earlier, extending “a warm welcome” to the President, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “The visit will provide further boost to this long-standing comprehensive bilateral partnership.”
President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, Jaiswal said, are on a State visit at the invitation of President Droupadi Murmu. “The official welcoming ceremony will take place tomorrow. The President and First Lady are accompanied by a high-level government delegation,” he said.