Maldives President Muizzu Appreciates India, Seeks Stronger Ties Amid Diplomatic Strains

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu expressed gratitude towards India for easing the island nation's debt repayment and called for stronger ties, despite recent diplomatic tensions. Muizzu highlighted ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement with India and the UK's economic support.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has thanked India for its assistance in easing the nation's debt repayment and expressed hope for stronger bilateral ties. Addressing the Independence Day celebration on Friday, Muizzu emphasized his administration's diplomatic achievements over the past eight months.

Muizzu praised India and China for their support in ensuring Maldives' economic sovereignty through debt relief measures. He highlighted ongoing negotiations for a currency swap agreement with both nations to alleviate local US dollar shortages.

Muizzu revealed that his administration is also pursuing a Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom and hopes for a similar agreement with India. This comes after recent diplomatic strains, including calls for the withdrawal of Indian troops and a realignment of Maldives' foreign policy priorities.

Last month, Muizzu attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his third consecutive term. Earlier this year, Muizzu sought debt relief for loans accumulated over successive governments, reaffirming India's position as Maldives' closest ally.

The Maldives owes India 6.2 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa as of last year, with the International Monetary Fund warning of a high risk of debt distress without significant policy changes. Muizzu's past anti-India rhetoric and electoral campaign, which called for Indian troop withdrawal, have strained relations.

Muizzu's unconventional diplomatic moves included his first official visit to Turkey and China, bypassing the traditional visit to India. His administration has signed 20 agreements with China, and chose not to renew a hydrographic survey agreement with India.

Following Maldives' request, Indian troops were withdrawn in May, with Maldives Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon affirming the local forces' capability to manage the Indian-donated aircraft. Tensions escalated when Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi, leading to a diplomatic incident.

Three deputy ministers were suspended following the incident, which saw a significant drop in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives, declining by 33% earlier this year according to the Maldives Tourism Ministry.

(With inputs from agencies.)