Indian Ambassador Munu Mahawar assured President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu that the Indian government will always respect Maldivian sovereignty and independence.
The Indian Ambassador also assured that India, as a South Asian ally, will initiate talks to explore possibilities for leniencies regarding the loans owed by the Maldives.
Mahawar met with the president-elect at the transitional office located at his residence in Maafannu Dhimyaath on Wednesday, October 4. Dr. Muizzu was accompanied by the vice president-elect, Hussain Mohamed Latheef.
Dr. Muizzu's secretariat said that the Indian Ambassador assured that India would always respect Maldivian independence and expressed readiness for discussions to provide leniencies regarding the country's borrowings.
The Ambassador also said he that hoped for stronger bilateral ties between the Maldives and India, which the countries have long enjoyed.
Earlier, Dr. Muizzu said that the primary foreign affairs issues that need to be resolved are related to India.
During the presidential campaign, Dr. Muizzu and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People's National Congress (PNC) coalition strongly advocated on repatriating Indian soldiers from the Maldives.
Dr. Muizzu's advisor and diplomacy expert, Mohamed Hussain Shareef, stated that it is anticipated the president-elect will make his first official visit to India after assuming office.
Dr. Muizzu said that it has been customary for all his predecessors to visit India first after assuming office, a tradition he believes should continue. He also said that considering the recent issues related to the Indian military presence, it is best to prioritize a visit to India.
Prior to his meeting with the Indian Ambassador, Dr. Muizzu held discussions with the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin. Dr. Muizzu had first met with the UK Ambassador Caron Röhsler.
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