Amid Ongoing Dispute, Maldives President Muizzu to Attend PM Modi's Oath Ceremony

New Delhi: Despite ongoing diplomatic tensions, pro-China leer and Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu will mark his attendance at swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 9 at Rashtrapati Bhawan in national capital.

Earlier, PM Narendra Modi h extended an invitation to Maldivian President Muizzu to attend ceremony. This will be Muizzu's first official visit to India since he assumed office last year.

Munu Mahawar, Higher Commissioner of Republic of India to Republic of Maldives, presented letter of invitation to President during a courtesy call at his office. 

Soon after results of Lok Sabha elections 2024 were declared, several world leers extended greetings to PM Modi for BJP and NDA’s electoral success. Among world leers were Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu who congratulated PM Modi and said that he was looking forward to working toger to vance shared interests with India.

In a post on X, Muizzu wrote,” Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi, and BJP and BJP-led NDA, on success in 2024 Indian General Election, for third consecutive term. I look forward to working toger to vance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries (sic)." 

Responding to post, PM Modi wrote, “Thank you President @MMuizzu. Maldives is our valued partner and neighbour in Indian  Ocean Region. I too look forward to closer cooperation for furr strengning our bilateral ties(sic).”

On occasion, leers from neighbouring countries, including Maldives, h been cordially invited as distinguished guests. list of dignitaries invited for ceremony also include Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Banglesh President Sheikh Hasina, among ors. 

Meanwhile, hoardings have been put in place at Janpath roundabout to welcome international delegates arriving for oath-taking ceremony of Modi govt 3.0. Several such hoardings have also been placed near BJP president JP Nda’s residence.

India-Maldives Row

diplomatic ties between India and Maldives suffered a setback after Muizzu, who is seen as pro-China, asked India to withdraw its military personnel from island country. Muizzu raised issue soon after coming to power in November 2023.

Earlier, some Maldivian lawmakers also me derogatory remarks against India which put it in b light and later faced suspension. anti-India remarks by Maldives govt officials came soon after PM Modi, who visited Lakshweep early in January this year, suggested people seeking venture to visit island.

While highlighting “stunning beauty” of islands and “incredible warmth” of its people in a post on X and he h said, “For those who wish to embrace venturer in m, Lakshweep has to be on your list.” Soon after anti-India posts surfaced on social media by Maldivian officials who were later suspended. 

Unlike his predecessors, who me first port of call to New Delhi after taking charge, People's National Congress leer went to Turkiye first and to China for his first state visit in January.