Modi invited to Muizzu’s inauguration

Indian government has confirmed that the nation’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the inauguration ceremony of Maldivian president elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Muizzu, who won September’s presidential election, will take oath at 4:45pm next Friday, in a ceremony slated to take place at the Republic’s Square. The parliament’s secretariate is undertaking the preparations for the ceremony.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson has confirmed that Modi was extended an invitation to the inauguration ceremony to Indian news outlets. However, Modi has yet to make a decision on attending the ceremony.

“Prime minister has been invited [to Muizzu’s inauguration ceremony]. Will disclose who will be attending and in what capacity once finalized,” Indian media outlets reported citing the spokesperson of the country’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Spokesperson of the President Elect Mohamed Firuzul Abdul Khaleel has previously confirmed invitations were extended to the leaders of neighboring countries.

Muizzu, from the opposition PPM-PNC coalition, built his presidential campaign on the promise of expelling Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

In a recent interview to Reuters, Muizzu said that though he intends to hold frank and detailed diplomatic consultations with India to work out details of sending back military personnel from the Maldives as soon as possible, he would make it a priority to ensure that Maldives relations with India thrive.

He has stated that his administration will foster close relations with all countries that respect Maldives’ independence and sovereignty.