Maldivian President Muizzu to visit India 'very soon', says spokesperson

Maldivian President Muizzu to visit India soon, strengthening bilateral ties after controversial remarks and minister resignations.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu will travel to India on an official visit "very soon", his spokesperson said on Tuesday (September 10, 2024).

Heena Waleed, the chief spokesperson at the President's Office, announced Mr. Muizzu's visit on a day when two junior ministers, suspended in January for derogatory comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi — resigned from the government.

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She said that while the exact date for the trip is yet to be finalised, the two sides are discussing a date, which is of convenience to the leaders of both countries, the Sun Online news portal reported.

"The President is scheduled to visit India very soon. As you are aware, such trips are scheduled for a time of maximum convenience to leaders of the two countries. Discussions regarding this are in progress,” she said during a press conference.

Mr. Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, visited New Delhi on June 9 to attend Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. Unlike his predecessors, who made the first port of call to New Delhi after assuming office, Mr. Muizzu travelled to Turkiye first and to China for his first state visit in January.

Heads of the states from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region attended Modi's oath ceremony. Mr. Muizzu said he was delighted to receive Prime Minister Modi’s invitation and “equally delighted” to have attended the event.