Biden to send delegation to Maldives new pres inauguration

United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced the designation of a presidential delegation to attend the inauguration of Maldives' President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu. 

In a statement, The White House said Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will lead the delegation.

Members of the delegation include: 

Invitations have been sent to allies to attend Muizzu's swearing-in ceremony on Friday evening, the president-elect's office has said.

Earth Science Minister Kiren Rijiju will be sent as a representative of the Indian government to the swearing-in ceremony of Maldives' President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Indian media reported on Wednesday.

Chinese State Councillor Shen Yiqin will attend the inauguration of President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu as the Chinese president's special envoy, the Chinese foreign ministry announced on Monday.

Opposition PPM-PNC candidate Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who advocates for stronger ties with China, defeated incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, known for his pro-India stance, in the second round of the presidential election held on September 30.

The election campaign centred on several critical issues, including a housing crisis in the densely populated capital and the country's depleting dollar reserves. Various parties have put forth competing proposals to address the "de-dollarisation" of trade.

However, the dominant concern throughout the campaign has been the influence of India and China on the Maldives, strategically located 450 miles south of India and along vital Indian Ocean shipping routes.

China and India have a history of vying for influence in their neighbouring countries. China, thanks to its extensive financial resources and investments through the Belt and Road Initiative, initially held an advantage. Nevertheless, India has been assertive in the region in recent years.

India extended substantial financial assistance to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis last year and has expanded its presence and projects in the Maldives since incumbent President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's election in 2018, ending the pro-Beijing Abdulla Yameen's tenure.

The opposition coalition, including Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress, has made criticising the current government's growing ties with India a central focus of their campaign. They have employed slogans like "India Out" and criticised Solih's decision to host a small contingent of Indian military personnel on the island.