TBM Staff - Mumbai The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.
The Maldivian President accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a Maldivian delegation arrived in India on Sunday evening.
President Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President hosted a banquet in his honour. Both leaders reviewed the multifaceted India-Maldives bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance the ties.
Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu later met at the Hyderabad House and ‘comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties while noting the progress made by both countries in deepening their historically close and special relationship’, the MEA said in a statement.
The two leaders acknowledged that it was an opportune time for both sides to ‘chart a new framework for cooperation’ with an aim to comprehensively transform the bilateral relationship to a ‘comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership which is people-centric, future-oriented and will act as an anchor of stability in the Indian Ocean Region’, it said.
Both the leaders have decided to ‘enhance efforts to boost tourism between the two countries through marketing campaigns and collaborative efforts’, the MEA said.
I am delighted to welcome President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India. During our talks today, we discussed ways to improve economic linkages, connectivity, cultural connect and also cooperation in sectors like climate change, water resources, agriculture, fisheries and more.
Muizzu in his press briefing said a democratic, prosperous and resilient Maldives is important for peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
“And, India is an important partner in the maritime security domain due to our geographical proximity,” he added.
“Looking ahead, we are fully committed to strengthening our cooperation with India across a broad spectrum of areas, including high-level exchanges that foster deeper understanding and friendship between our nations,” Muizzu said.
He said he was confident that “our continued collaboration” will lead to a brighter future.
“Next year, we will be marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries. I have invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a state visit to the Maldives to commemorate this occasion,” Muizzu said.
At Hyderabad House, he further said India and the Maldives will work together to build a future that “benefits both our countries”.
“The Maldives will remain a true friend committed to our shared vision of peace and development of our countries and our region,” he said.
“We look forward to concluding the free trade agreement with India which will enable us to harness the full economic potential between our countries, and to increase Indian investments in tourism and various other sectors of development,” the Maldivian President said.
