Amid ongoing bilateral tensions, the invite to the Maldives President to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony was welcomed by the Mohamed Muizzu.
Muizzu on Saturday said that he would be honoured to attend PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony. It will be Muizzu's first visit to India after assuming office on November 17 last year.
Muizzu accepted the invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi in Delhi formally and thanked the Indian High Commission for personally delivering the invitation. Modi will be administered the oath of office on Sunday.
After taking charge as president, Muizzu had travelled to Turkey first and then to China in January.
Munu Mahawar, India's Higher Commissioner to the Maldives, presented the letter of invitation to the President during a courtesy call at the President's Office.
The High Commissioner extended greetings from Prime Minister Modi, stating that the PM is looking forward to having the president attend this momentous ceremony, the statement said.
The president expressed his gratitude to the PM for the invitation, adding that he would be honoured to attend this historic event. He also stated that he looks forward to working with the PM to further strengthen the close relations with India, noting that the Maldives-India relationship is heading in a positive direction.
Earlier on Wednesday, Muizzu had congratulated Modi and expressed his desire to work with him to advance the bilateral ties.
"Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi and the BJP and BJP-led NDA, on the success in the 2024 Indian General Election, for the third consecutive term. I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries," Muizzu posted on X.
Pro-China leader Muizzu had demanded the removal of 88-odd Indian military personnel from his country, straining bilateral ties.
In addition to the Maldives, the swearing-in ceremony is expected to witness the presence of top leaders from neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
