Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has accepted India's invitation to attend PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday. This is seen as a positive development for the strained India-Maldives ties, as Muizzu's presidency was initially seen as a threat to New Delhi. However, the visit is expected to strengthen the close relations between the two countries and demonstrate India's "neighbourhood first" policy. This visit comes amidst EAM Jaishankar's statements about the importance of diplomacy in resolving the current situation in the region.
India-Maldives Relations Strengthen as Maldives President Accepts Modi's Invitation
Background
India and the Maldives have traditionally enjoyed close ties based on geographical proximity, historical linkages, and shared security concerns. However, in recent years, relations have been strained due to political developments in the Maldives.
In 2018, President Abdulla Yameen, who was perceived as pro-China, lost power to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Solih's presidency initially raised concerns in New Delhi as he was seen as more aligned with the West and less inclined towards India.
Positive Development
In a significant development, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has accepted India's invitation to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday. This is viewed as a positive step towards improving relations between the two countries.
Muizzu's acceptance of the invitation is seen as a signal of his desire to strengthen ties with India. It also aligns with India's "neighbourhood first" policy, which emphasizes strong relations with neighbouring countries.
External Affairs Minister's Statements
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has recently emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the current situation in the region. He stated that India is committed to a "peaceful, stable, and prosperous" Indian Ocean region.
Jaishankar's statements suggest that India is willing to engage with its neighbours through diplomatic channels to address issues of mutual concern.
FAQs
1. Why was Muizzu's presidency initially seen as a threat to India?
Muizzu's presidency was initially seen as a threat to India because of his perceived closeness to the West and his criticism of India's role in the Maldives.
2. What is the significance of Muizzu's acceptance of India's invitation?
Muizzu's acceptance of the invitation demonstrates his willingness to strengthen ties with India and aligns with India's "neighbourhood first" policy.
3. What is India's "neighbourhood first" policy?
India's "neighbourhood first" policy emphasizes strong relations with neighbouring countries to promote stability, security, and economic development in the region.
4. What did External Affairs Minister Jaishankar say about diplomacy in the region?
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving issues in the region and indicated India's commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
5. What is the current status of India-Maldives relations?
With Muizzu's acceptance of India's invitation, relations between India and the Maldives are expected to strengthen. The visit is seen as a positive step towards addressing past strains and fostering closer ties between the two countries.
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