20-member delegation at Modi's swearing-in ceremony, MVR 1.4 million for expenses

Jun 25, 2024, 2:21 PM
Muizzu and Modi. -- Photo: President's Office

Muizzu and Modi. -- Photo: President's Office

The government has revealed that MVR 1.4 million was spent from the state budget for President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's trip to India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The President's Office disclosed the details of the trip today, Muizzu travelled to India with a government delegation for the June 9 event. Although the President's Office previously disclosed specific amounts spent on the trip, only the total amount was revealed this time.

The President was accompanied by a delegation of 20 official and support staff. The total cost of the trip was MVR 1,440,170.33. That is MVR 72,000 per person.

President Muizzu has previously said that he will not choose first class on official trips. However, the President's Office did not disclose the airline or class of the trip.

The President's Office said the delegation went to India via Sri Lanka and Dubai as the invitation was received at a late date. The delegation spent a lot of time in transit in those countries, the President's Office stated.

In the paper detailing the expenditure, the President’s Office noted that the President met with the Prime Minister, President and External Affairs Minister of India during the visit. The President's Office said the discussions to strengthen the close relations between the two countries show the success of the visit.

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