Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in India and participated in Indian PM Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony for the third straight term in New Delhi on Sunday.
He was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Modi following his victory in the Indian general polls recently.
The developments occurred just months after India and Maldives were engaged in a bitter diplomatic tension over Modi’s visit to Lakswadeep, a picturesque Indian region that has the potential to compete with the Island Nation over tourism.
Following the swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi, President Muizzu participated in a photograph session with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Heads of State and Government.
Muizzu attended the official banquet hosted by President of India Droupadi Murmu, in honour of the leaders of neighbouring countries attending the swearing-in-ceremony of the Prime Minister of India.
“At the banquet, Prime Minister H.E. Narendra Modi held a joint interaction with all Heads of State and Government,” read a statement issued by the Maldivian President’s website.
He visited Indian PM’s oath-taking event at the invitation of Modi.
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Muizzu and said India is looking forward to working together with the Island Nation.
“Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi,” Jaishankar posted on X.
“Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely,” he said.
Diplomatic tensions reached a flashpoint in recent times between the two countries over remarks made by some Maldives ministers against Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.
The Maldives, which comprises some 1,192 tiny coral islands scattered across 800 kilometres (500 miles) on the equator, is considered as one of the top beach destinations in the world.
Apart from its scenic beauty, the country is known for its luxury hotels and water villas.
The pro-China Maldivian President faced massive domestic criticism for his anti-India stance as the main opposition parties of the country, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, slammed Muizzu for distancing from India, the island nation’s “most long-standing ally” and source of tourists.
Besides expressing concern over the new foreign policy of Muizzu-led government in Maldives, the opposition parties took to the street in January in protest.