
India's Modi to visit Maldives on Friday
This is Modi's first visit to Maldives since President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Maldives from July 25-26, the President's Office in Male' confirmed Sunday.
In a statement, the President's Office said the visit follows an invitation from Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
This is Modi's first visit to Maldives since President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
"During this visit, President Dr Muizzu and Prime Minister Modi will hold high-level discussions on key bilateral and regional issues, following by the inauguration of several joint projects and the exchange of a number of Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest," the statement read.
"This visit carries profound significance as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India."
Indian Prime Minister Modi's attendance at the 2018 swearing-in ceremony of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signalled a period of close cooperation. Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government was known for its strong relationship with India, a bond reinforced by a subsequent state visit from Prime Minister Modi during that term.
However, bilateral relations became strained following the 'India Out' campaign, which was led by the current ruling coalition while it was in opposition. The new government has since stated it is working to strengthen ties with New Delhi.
During a recent visit to India, Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel gave assurances that his government would not take any action that could negatively affect the relationship between the two countries.
Speaking to Indian media, the Foreign Minister attributed the 'India Out' campaign to former President Abdulla Yameen, stating it was a political movement and that the current administration had no involvement. Former President Yameen has subsequently responded to these statements.