"I Thank PM Modi For Always Supporting Maldives": Muizzu Says After Meeting EAM Jaishankar

On Saturday (10 August), External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, where they discussed a range of issues, as per a report by India Today.

After the meeting, Jaishankar wrote on X, "Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings from PM Modi."

"Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region," he added.

Following their discussion, President Mohamed Muizzu, who previously led an "India Out" campaign, thanked India and PM Modi for always supporting Maldives.

"I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region," Muizzu said in a post on X.

Jaishankar is on an official three-day visit to the Maldives, set to conclude on 11 August.

He arrived in Male on Friday with the primary goal of strengthening the partnership between India and the Maldives and exploring opportunities to further enhance bilateral ties.

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The visit comes after a period of strained relations between the two nations earlier this year when three Maldivian ministers and several parliamentarians made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tensions escalated after the Maldives, under President Muizzu, renewed calls for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, causing diplomatic unease in the region.

Following Muizzu's insistence, Indian troops stationed in the Maldives were replaced with civilian personnel, marking a significant shift in the country's foreign policy.

Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, rose to prominence through his ‘India Out’ campaign, which opposed the policies of his predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

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