Pres meets Indian Ambassador; Discussed strengthening ties
President Muizzu thanked the Indian government for inviting him to the swearing-in ceremony and noted the hospitality shown him.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Indian Ambassador Munu Mahawar and President Mohammed Muizzu, who have been trying to improve relations between the two countries since the new government came to power, held a meeting on Sunday and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties.
The meeting between the two took place at the President's Office on Sunday.
The two discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, the President's Office said. They also discussed the projects being implemented by India in Maldives.
The President’s Office noted:
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The Ambassador thanked the President for visiting India accepting the invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term; he also noted that many fruitful and successful works are being done in cooperation between the two countries
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The Ambassador assured that India would continue to assist Maldives and the people of Maldives in areas where they need assistance
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President Muizzu thanked the Indian government for inviting him to the swearing-in ceremony and noted the hospitality shown to him
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He noted the attention and importance given by India to Maldives' development and the people of Maldives whenever they need assistance
"Before concluding the meeting, the President and High Commissioner reiterated their unwavering commitment to fostering continued close relations and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the Maldives and India," the President's Office reported.
The President's Office also noted in the press release that this government has a foreign policy of working with the international community to develop Maldives at a rapid pace.
After President Muizzu won the presidential election, international media reported that after coming to power, this government would be 'Pro China' or closer to China by having campaigned under the name 'India Out'. President Muizzu says that the current government's policy is 'Pro Maldives'.
The tradition of every President of Maldives making his first official visit to India after taking office was ended by President Muizzu's first official visit to India's rival China.
With that, relations with India deteriorated somewhat. The government's demand to withdraw Indian troops from Maldives and three Maldivian deputy ministers' remarks attributed to Modi sparked outrage among the Indian government and the public.
India has demanded the removal of these deputy ministers. However, they are still on paid suspension.
