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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the occasion, leaders from neighbouring countries, including Maldives, had been cordially invited as distinguished guests. The list of dignitaries invited for the ceremony also include Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Bangladesh President Sheikh Hasina, among others. 

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

India-Maldives Row

The 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 the island country. Muizzu raised the issue soon after coming to power in November 2023.

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

While highlighting the “stunning beauty” of the islands and the “incredible warmth” of its people in a post on X and he had said, “For those who wish to embrace the adventurer in them, Lakshadweep 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 made the first port of call to New Delhi after taking charge, the People's National Congress leader went to Turkiye first and to China for his first state visit in January.