The Maldives will benefit more than before through close ties with India, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said.
In an interview with the Public Service Media (PSM) in India after traveling to the country to attend the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term, the President said his government will act in a manner that would be the most beneficial for the Maldivian people through the “close friendly relationship”. This would be seen from discussions held during the visit, he said.
“God willing, I believe good things will happen for the Maldives through the ties between the countries, even better than before,” the President said.
The visit to attend Modi’s swearing-in ceremony was President Muizzu’s first official visit to India.
Ties between India and the Maldives deteriorated shortly after President Muizzu assumed office. He came to power with a pledge to remove Indian soldiers based in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.
Instead of India, President Muizzu previously maintained close ties with China. His first state visit was also made to China. He directed a harsh verbal attack against India after the visit.
However, after accepting the invitation for the recent visit, the President said he wished to improve ties with India and to work with Modi. In his interview with PSM, he said that the visit was very successful for the Maldives and expressed gratitude to Modi.
"I extend thanks for this trip, participating in this and for the meetings as well. I met with India's Prime Minister, President and [External Affairs Minister Dr. S] Jaishankar," the President said.
The President returned to Male' this morning after concluding his visit to India. The high-level government delegation that accompanied him on the trip included Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq.
