Minister Emphasises Muizzu’s Policy to Enhance India Relations
Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s policy is to deepen bilateral ties with India.
He said this in an exclusive interview with India’s StratNewsGlobal.
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This declaration comes during President Muizzu’s visit to India to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
Zameer reflected on a successful visit in May 2024, where both countries “reaffirmed cooperation commitments.” He noted that President Muizzu’s current visit is intended to strengthen these ties further. Zameer emphasised the importance of expanding the India-Maldives friendship, highlighting discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar during the May visit.
“Both nations are committed to nurturing their partnership for mutual development, with hopes for continued flourishing relations,” the Minister told StratNewsGlobal. He acknowledged India’s enduring support as a key ally and partner, stressing that the Maldives values its partnership with India, considering it the closest neighbour and development partner.
Prime Minister Modi, who was elected for a third term, took the oath of office on Sunday at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by leaders from the SAARC region, including Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives intensified around the start of 2024 due to derogatory remarks from Maldivian officials close to Muizzu about Prime Minister Modi. They began to dissipate following Minister Zameer’s May 2024 visit. The Maldives state has maintained its position as a close ally of India, inviting the South Asian giant to discuss strengthening areas of mutual benefit.
The recent diplomatic engagements signal a potential recalibration of the Maldives’ foreign policy, balancing its relations with India and other international partners. Zameer reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to its partnership with India, expressing optimism for continued and flourishing relations.
