President of the Maldives hails first visit to India as "a success" and asks for closer ties

Mohamed Muizzu, the president of the Maldives, called his first official visit to India a huge success and expressed the hope that it will strengthen ties between the two countries.

Muizzu, who is well-known for his pro-China views, said to a state-run broadcaster that "God willing, the strong ties between the two nations will result in increased prosperity for the Maldives and Maldivians alike" following his visit to witness Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers' swearing-in.

PM Modi invited Muizzu, who thanked him for the chance to meet at the highest level with President Droupadi Murmu, the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and the Prime Minister. "This trip has been a success for the Maldives and for the region too," he stated.

At Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday, President Muizzu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by a high-ranking government team. Together, they went to a banquet where PM Modi was seated next to Muizzu and they talked about a variety of topics.

During his meeting with President Murmu, the leader of the Maldives conveyed his appreciation for the gracious hospitality and recognized India's ongoing support for the Maldives. S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, met with Muizzu as well and expressed optimism for future further collaboration between the two countries.

As the two countries walk a diplomatic tightrope after relations collapsed last year when the newly sworn-in President demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms, Muizzu's visit comes after a recent visit by the Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India from his country.