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Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to Embark on State Visit to India

ANM Bureau

In a significant diplomatic move, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is set to travel to India for a state visit from October 6 to October 10, 2024, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.

This visit marks a crucial step in reinforcing the longstanding ties between India and the Maldives, two key players in the Indian Ocean Region.

During his visit, President Muizzu will engage in high-level discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.

In addition to these talks, President Muizzu is also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu, marking an opportunity for both nations to further solidify their cooperation in various sectors.

The significance of this visit is underscored by its timing, as it follows closely on the heels of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent trip to the Maldives. This pattern of high-level exchanges reflects the importance India places on its relationship with the Maldives, particularly given the latter’s strategic position as an important maritime neighbor.

Strengthening Maritime Relations

The MEA highlighted the Maldives’ vital role in Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’

The ministry noted, “The visit of President Dr. Muizzu to India after the recent visit of the External Affairs Minister to Maldives is testimony to the importance that India attaches to its relations with the Maldives and is expected to lend further momentum to cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries.”

This sentiment echoes the discussions held during EAM Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives from August 9 to 11, 2024. During that trip, Jaishankar met with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to discuss a variety of topics, including development partnerships, defence and maritime cooperation, and economic engagement. The meetings underscored India’s commitment to support the Maldives in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.

Business and Cultural Engagements in Mumbai and Bengaluru

Beyond political discussions, President Muizzu will also travel to Mumbai and Bengaluru to attend business events, showcasing a broader intention to enhance economic ties between the two nations. This component of the visit is particularly important as both countries look to foster greater trade and investment relations, leveraging their geographical proximity.

The emphasis on people-to-people linkages will likely play a crucial role in the discussions. Recent initiatives, such as the inauguration of six High Impact Community Development Projects by EAM Jaishankar, highlight the potential for collaborative projects that directly benefit local communities in the Maldives. These projects, which span areas such as street lighting and mental health services, are indicative of India’s approach to sustainable development in the region.

As the Maldives continues to navigate its developmental aspirations, the cooperation with India is poised to serve as a critical component in bolstering its economic resilience. By prioritizing these engagements, both nations are setting a framework for a deeper partnership that can withstand regional challenges and promote shared growth.

President Muizzu’s upcoming state visit to India represents a pivotal moment in Maldives-India relations, characterized by a focus on mutual cooperation and regional stability. With high-level meetings scheduled and a strong emphasis on economic ties, the visit is expected to pave the way for a renewed commitment to collaboration in various sectors.

As both nations look toward the future, the bonds forged during this visit could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean Region, fostering a partnership rooted in shared values and aspirations.

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