New Delhi. Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu, who is on a visit to India, held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Earlier, Muizzu was formally welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan and he was given a guard of honour. President Draupadi Murmu welcomed him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present on this occasion. Later Muizzu went to Rajghat and paid tribute to President Mahatma Gandhi. It is noteworthy that this is Muizzu’s first formal bilateral visit to India after becoming the President. Earlier, he had come to India in June to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi.
During his visit to India, Muizzu has given clarification on many subjects. He has said that his country’s ‘Maldives First’ policy will not affect India’s relations. He also said that Maldives’ relations with other countries will not affect its relations with India. Muizzu said that relations between Maldives and India have always been strong. He expressed confidence that his visit will further strengthen the relations between the two countries.
Modi and Muizzu held a bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House. During this, Prime Minister Modi and Muizzu virtually inaugurated the runway of Hanimadhoo International Airport in Maldives. Muizzu also invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Maldives. After the meeting of the leaders of the two countries, Prime Minister Modi said that relations between India and Maldives are centuries old. India is Maldives’ closest neighbor and close friend. He said- Maldives has an important place in our Neighborhood Policy and Sagar Vision. Modi said that whether it is providing drinking water during natural disasters or giving vaccines during Covid, India has always fulfilled the responsibility of being its neighbour. India has always given priority to the interests of the people of Maldives.
Maldivian President Muizzu thanked India for the currency swap agreement with India worth $400 million and assistance worth Rs 3,000 crore. India has given a treasury bill rollover of $100 million to Maldives, which is suffering from cash crunch. Muizzu thanked for the help received from India. He said that India has stood with Maldives in its time of need. Muizzu said that Maldives is ready to welcome more Indian tourists.