In a bid to patch up relations with India, newly elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has expressed gratitude for India's support and acknowledged it as the country's "closest ally". Despite previous demands for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, Muizzu has now adopted a reconciliatory stance and has urged India to consider debt relief for the archipelago nation. In his first interview since taking office, Muizzu emphasized India's significant role in aiding the Maldives and confidently stated that India will continue to remain its closest ally.