Jaishankar's First Visit To Maldives Since Rise Of Anti-India Muizzu To Power Begins Today

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin his three-day official visit to the Maldives from today (9 August), marking the first high-level trip from New Delhi after ties between the two countries deteriorated since the island nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office nearly nine months ago.

Jaishankar’s visit comes after Muizzu’s trip to India on 9 June, which marked his first official visit since taking office in November last year.

Muizzu had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers during his visit.

"Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and our vision 'SAGAR' - Security and Growth for All in the Region," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement announcing Jaishankar's visit, NDTV reported.

The statement further noted that Jaishankar’s visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship.

Jaishankar had earlier visited the Maldives in January 2023.

Earlier in May, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer had made an official visit to India and met Jaishankar.

Relations between India and the Maldives have faced significant strain since Muizzu assumed office, after campaigning on an "India-out" platform during his presidential bid.

Shortly after being sworn in, Muizzu, under his anti-India agenda, scrapped a hydrographic agreement with India, allowed Chinese spy vessels to conduct experiments and surveys in Maldivian waters despite repeated requests by India not to do so, and forced 90-odd Indian maintainers (who were in the country to run, repair, and maintain Indian-gifted military equipment) out of the country.

Tensions escalated further when three Maldivian deputy ministers posted derogatory comments on social media about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These remarks followed PM Modi’s social media post featuring photos and videos of the Lakshadweep Islands in January.

Following widespread criticism, including from opposition leaders, the Maldivian government suspended the three ministers for their "appalling language" against PM Modi.

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