Shruti Sneha, Pune
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu plans to visit India in the second week of October to improve bilateral relations following a tense period in the relationship.
Muizzu, who recently visited New Delhi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration on June 9 with leaders from six other regional countries, will be in India for a bilateral visit from October 6 to 10. His meetings with the Indian leadership, including Modi, are planned for October 7, according to individuals from both sides who requested anonymity.
Muizzu’s initial visit to India as president in November 2023, following an “India Out” campaign, has not been formally declared by either country. His government’s attempts to decrease the Maldives’s reliance on India and the request to withdraw around 85 Indian military personnel stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago to handle three aircraft strained bilateral relations to a new level.
Nevertheless, there have been indications of a warming in the general connection in recent months. Shortly after India switched out the military personnel managing two helicopters and an aircraft for civilian experts, mainly used for humanitarian missions, Muizzu was unexpectedly included in the roster of regional leaders invited to Modi’s inauguration.
The Maldives have definitely toned down their rhetoric. One person mentioned above said that the two parties will now seek opportunities to progress and enhance their relationship.
After Muizzu’s June trip, external affairs minister S Jaishankar visited the Maldives in August. During the visit, the two countries signed an agreement to implement India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system in the Maldives and launched various projects funded by Indian grants and loans.
Muizzu hinted at improving relations by praising India as a close ally and valuable partner during the meeting with Jaishankar. Earlier this month, a representative for Muizzu stated that he would be traveling to India “very soon,” which coincided with the resignation of two junior ministers who were suspended in January for making disrespectful remarks about Modi.
The Maldives was assisted by the Indian side in avoiding the possibility of missing payments on its Islamic bonds, as they extended the State Bank of India’s subscription to government treasury bills worth $50 million for an additional year. The treasury bills reached maturity on September 19. In May of this year, the Maldivian government requested SBI to purchase treasury bills worth $50 million using the same method, and SBI obliged.
According to Sameer Patil, a security expert located in Mumbai at Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Muizzu’s recent actions in bilateral relations show a practical approach. “He stated that following the initial display of anti-India feelings, the Muizzu government has taken steps towards reconciliation with India, as shown by his attendance at Modi’s swearing-in ceremony and the upcoming visit.”
Patil also noted that it shows he acknowledges he cannot afford to stay away from India, understanding the risks of relying solely on China, and the importance of the regional dynamics.