Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu is set to visit India starting October 7, in what would be his first trip after coming to power.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced his three-day visit on Friday, during which he will visit Mumbai and Bengaluru. He will land in India on October 6. Muizzu will meet PM Narendra Modi for bilateral talks on October 7.
Muizzu, whose election campaign was based on ‘India Out’, has so far taken many steps which were not aligned with India First Policy. First, Muizzu’s ministers made derogatory remarks against PM Modi, for which they were later suspended.
He also negotiated the presence of Indian teams and ultimately India had to replace existing teams with a new batch of technical team in Maldives for the operation of Aviation Platforms.
It took almost one year for India to bring the country on the same page.
INDIA: A FRIEND IN NEED
India has stepped in to provide crucial financial assistance to the Maldives, helping the island nation avoid the risk of default on its upcoming Islamic bond payments. India’s loan, made through the State Bank of India, is the second such support this year, aimed at helping the Maldives manage its short-term financial obligations. India extended $50 million emergency loan as part of an ongoing effort to assist the Maldives with its economic challenges.
In addition to this loan, the Maldives is negotiating a $400-million currency swap agreement with India, which could provide further relief.
Discussion to boost tourism with Maldives will also be on the agenda. Since the rough patch between the two nations, the number of Indian tourists going to the Maldives has reduced.
Last month, the Maldives tourism ministry held roadshows in India to promote tourism. This visit of President Muizzu could now help the cash-strapped nation get more tourists.
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