Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 07, 2024, 11:40 AM
India-Maldives News: Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu has visited India on a four-day state visit, arriving in New Delhi on Sunday. Muizzu's visit is an important step towards restoring relations with India amid the ongoing economic crisis in the Maldives.Muizzu's assurance of India's securityOn his arrival, Muizzu made it clear that his country would never do anything that undermines India's security. He said, "India is a valuable partner and friend of the Maldives, and our relations are based on mutual respect and shared interests. While we are increasing our cooperation with other countries in various fields, we are committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of the region."Meeting and welcome with PM ModiPresident Muizzu was welcomed by Indian President Draupadi Murmu. After this, he also met other leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The purpose of this visit is to strengthen bilateral relations, especially when tensions have increased in these relations in recent times.Muizzu's statement on the withdrawal of Indian troopsWhen Muizzu was asked about the withdrawal of Indian troops in the interview, he said that he was taking the decision keeping in mind domestic priorities. He also informed that a better understanding of priorities and concerns is developing between Maldives and India. He said, "I did what the people of Maldives asked me to do. The recent changes reflect our efforts that we are addressing our domestic priorities."History of strained relationsMaldives-India relations had soured in recent years when Maldives asked Indian troops to withdraw from their country. Apart from this, objectionable comments of Maldives ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi also created further tension in bilateral relations.Importance of relations amid economic crisisMaldives is currently facing a serious economic crisis, due to which President Muizzu is looking forward to restoring relations with India. The purpose of his visit is to get financial assistance and economic cooperation from India, which can help improve the situation of Maldives.ConclusionMuizzu's visit is significant as it shows that the Maldives is committed to reinvigorating its ties with India, even as it maintains ties with China. It will be interesting to see how relations between Maldives and India progress after this visit and how it gives a new direction to bilateral cooperation.