President Muizzu Congratulates PM Modi, Expresses Readiness to Collaborate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been elected for a third consecutive term, received congratulations from President Mohamed Muizzu. In a post on X, President Muizzu expressed optimism about the continued collaboration between the Maldives and India, aiming for enhanced development and stability.

Reacting to President Muizzu’s message, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude and shared hopes for further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

President Muizzu assured that his administration would foster close relations with all countries, maintaining Maldivian sovereignty and policies. He emphasized that his government would not be hostile to any nation and would work to protect the country’s individuality and economic progress.

The current ruling party, the Progressive National Congress (PNC), previously voiced concerns over India's influence in the Maldives during the former administration. President Muizzu, honoring his electoral promise, has begun the process of sending Indian troops back home, ensuring all Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives were repatriated by May 10. These military personnel were replaced by civilians.

The Defence Ministry clarified that while the Maldives is open to closer ties with India, defence cooperation would not involve the permanent presence of Indian military forces in the Maldives. Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon reiterated this stance at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 in Singapore, emphasizing that military collaboration would focus on training and operational readiness without foreign military presence.