The government's Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed could not disclose a date and the objective of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's planned visit to India.
Responding to a question from Adhadhu at today's press conference at the President's Office, Heena said a date will be fixed for the convenience of the leaders of both countries and that all matters on bilateral relations will be on the agenda.
"Maldives and India have always had very close ties and have established good connections in all areas. So, the President, visiting as the Head of State, will discuss all matters for the benefit of the people during his visit to India or any other country," she said.
The government announced on September 10 that President Muizzu is scheduled to visit India on an official visit. The announcement came after deputy ministers Malsha Shareef and Mariyam Shiuna resigned earlier in the day after being on suspension for insulting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media.
Bloomberg and India's Economic Times earlier reported, citing an Indian government official, that the Reserve Bank of India is currently working on a USD 400 million currency swap facility to help the Maldives.
The Indian official, who wished to remain anonymous, added that India is also ready to provide loans to Maldives under the USD 800 million line of credit signed with India in 2019 by the former Maldives government.
It is unclear whether President Muizzu's government has officially requested Indian financial assistance. However, according to international media reports, the most important discussion in his visit to New Delhi will be securing funds.
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 chose to strengthen ties with China. His first state visit was also made to China. He directed a harsh verbal attack against India after the visit and accused the country of bullying.
