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Maldives’ Muizzu on India visit to mend ties amid thinning tourist influx
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu received a red carpet welcome during his first state visit to India on Monday, a trip intended to mend the fragile relations between the two South Asian neighbors.Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is on his five-day visit to India, which assumed power a year ago with a pledge to remove the Indian troops stationed in his strategically located archipelago.
According to the External Affairs Ministry, Muizzu and PM Modi will discuss “bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.”
During his visit to India, Muizzu will meet with senior Indian officials.
Tensions have escalated between India and the Maldives since the pro-China Muizzu won the presidency, defeating India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. In the lead-up to the 2023 elections, Muizzu had promised to remove Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives for humanitarian assistance. In May, New Delhi replaced many of these soldiers with civilian experts.
The situation worsened when Muizzu visited China before India in January, which was perceived as a slight to New Delhi. Upon returning, he outlined plans to reduce the Maldives' dependence on India for healthcare, medicines, and essential imports.
Source: mint
