Nasheed commends efforts to improve relations with India

Former President Mohammed Nasheed has welcomed the efforts being made by President Mohammed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen relations between Maldives and India.

Nasheed's congratulations to the leaders of the two countries were made in an X post.

On X, Nasheed said he wishes the best for the two countries.

Nasheed’s commendation is followed by President Muizzu’s trip to Delhi for the third swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Muizzu was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in the country.

Indian media described the invitation to President Muizzu as their initiative to end tensions between the two countries.

Since the arrival of this government, relations between Maldives and India have been tense.

Critical of Modi’s promotional video of Lakshadweep, three Maldivian deputy ministers criticised India and Prime Minister Modi on social media, following which there was a lot of back and forth taunts flung between the two nations.

As a result Indian tourist arrivals have now fallen by nearly half, some high profile Indians and tour agencies having initiated a boycott of Maldives.

This is President Muizzu's first visit to India since taking office. Before him, all the Presidents of Maldives always made their first official visit to India, but President Muizzu made his first state visit to China.