President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is scheduled to pay an official visit to India very soon, the government's Spokesperson Heena Waleeh has said.
Former Maldivian Presidents usually paid official visits to India soon after assuming office but President Muizzu has not made an official visit to India yet.
However, he travelled to India on June 9 for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"The President is scheduled to visit India very soon. Discussions are ongoing between Maldives and India for the best date," Heena told reporters during a press conference at the President's Office today.
A date for his visit to India has not yet been decided and it is unclear which officials would accompany him on the trip.
Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister Subramanian Jaishankar paid an official visit to Maldives and met President Muizzu.
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, the government is now working to strengthen relations with India.
