Maldives’ leader reaffirms commitment to strengthening ‘time-tested’ India partnership

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between Male’ and New Delhi in order to address common challenges and work for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries.

He made the remarks in a congratulatory message he shared via the social media platform X on Sunday morning on occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day.

In his message, President Muizzu conveyed heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the government and people of India.

President Muizzu said that the Maldives will always cherish the bonds of friendship and cooperation it shares with India, which he said has withstood the test of time.

“Maldives will always cherish the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation we share with India, which is built on mutual trust, respect, and understanding that have withstood the test of time,” he said.

He reiterated his commitment to strengthening the partnership between Maldives and India.

“I am committed to strengthening our strategic partnership to address common challenges and work for the mutual benefit of people of both our neighborly nations,” he said.

Relations between Male’ and New Delhi had been strained in the early days of President Muizzu’s presidency after he demanded that India withdraw its troops from Maldives – executing a pledge he made during his presidential campaign. Things escalated further after three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging remarks regarding India and Indian Prime Minister Modi following a social media post promoting India’s Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

The Maldives Foreign Ministry was quick to distance itself from the remarks, saying that they do not represent the views of the Male’ government. The three junior ministers were suspended, and two of them later resigned.

But despite the earlier turmoil, officials from both Male’ and Delhi repeatedly expressed keenness to maintaining relations and engaged in several high-level visits.