New Delhi: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is on a bilateral visit to India with hopes that the visit would lend further momentum to cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries. Muizzu, who is known to be close to the Chinese administration, said the country’s relations with China will not jeopardise India’s security priorities.
The Maldives-India ties had been strained since the island nation asked Indian troops to withdraw from the island nation. The Maldives' ministers' objectionable remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year marked the beginning of strained the ties, causing massive uproar in India.
Maldives shares close ties with China who has been causing a major problem for India at the border where situation remains sensitive. After taking office, Muizzu visited China and said Maldives’ small size is not a license for anyone to bully it.
Related News |
Confident That Modi-Muizzu Talks Will Give New Impetus To India-Maldives Ties: EAM S Jaishankar
However, Muizzu on Sunday assured that Maldives remains "committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region."
"Maldives would never do anything that undermines the security of India. India is a valued partner and friend of the Maldives, and our relationship is built on mutual respect and shared interests. While we enhance our cooperation with other countries in various sectors, we remain committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region. The Maldives will continue to prioritise its longstanding and trusted relationship with India, and we are confident that our engagements with other nations will not undermine India’s security interests," he told TOI.
Muizzu On Expulsion Of Indian Military Personnel
In January, Muizzu gave a deadline to India to withdraw its troops from the island nation. The Maldivian President said the Indian military personnel should leave the nation by March 15. The development came a few days after he met Xi Jinping on his first state visit to China after being elected. When asked about the expulsion of Indian military personnel from the country on Sunday, Muizzu cited "national interests".
Related News |
Why Is Jaishankar's Visit To 'Epicentre Of Terrorism' Pakistan Critical? Explained
"India is one of our biggest development partners, and defence cooperation will always be a priority. In these globally challenging times, with regional wars threatening the security of all countries, it is vital to foster these collaborations, especially the security of Indian Ocean Region. And I can confidently say, Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns. What I did is what the people of Maldives asked from me. The recent changes reflect our efforts to address domestic priorities. Our review of past agreements is aimed at ensuring they align with our national interests and contribute positively to regional stability. As the world’s largest democracy, I believe that the people and Government of India, understand it," he said.
Muizzu reached New Delhi Sunday on his first bilateral State visit, four months after attending the swearing-in ceremony of the third Modi government. Muizzu met with external affairs minister S Jaishankar. He will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. During his five-day visit — from October 6 to 10 — he will also travel to Agra, Mumbai and Bengaluru.