President Muizzu scheduled to travel to India

President’s Office declared today that arrangements have been made for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to depart on a visit to India soon.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Heena Waleed said that the President is scheduled to visit India very soon and that both countries are now deliberating the most feasible date for the visit.

Heena had not, however, revealed any details of the trip.

President Muizzu had also earlier visited India to attend the oath taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was elected for a third consecutive term. However, the President has yet to visit India for an official visit since assuming office in November 17.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries strained shortly after President Muizzu assumed office following heavy ‘India-out’ campaigns and protests amid the former administration, urging immediate removal of Indian troops stationed at the island nation. The relations further worsened after derogatory comments were made towards Indian PM Narendra Modi on social media by three Deputy State Ministers of this government over a video promoting tourism in Lakshadweep.

Although the Deputy Ministers were suspended at the time following public demand for action, a large campaign was proceeded across India to boycott tourism in the Maldives. Indian tourist arrivals into Maldives had significantly declined since the campaign which saw participation from several Bollywood and cricket stars.

However, relations between the two countries are once again improving with President Muizzu also having met with PM Modi during his last trip to India.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer also recently visited India on official business and the Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar made an official trip to the Maldives earlier in August as well.

The Indian military residing in Maldives left the country by May 10 and were replaced with Indian civilians. Meanwhile, the Dornier aircraft and two helicopters gifted to the Maldives by India has also now resumed operations.