Maldivian President's Landmark Visit for Modi's Swearing-in Ceremony

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Delhi to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. This visit, amid tense India-Maldives relations, highlights the significance of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Leaders from seven regional countries, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, will also attend the ceremony.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Delhi on Sunday morning to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi.

This marks Muizzu's inaugural visit to India since assuming office last November, amid strained relations between the two countries.

Muizzu is among the leaders from seven countries in India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean region attending the swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan this evening.

'President @MMuizzu of Maldives arrives to a warm welcome in New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers,' External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on X.

He emphasized the close maritime partnership and neighbourhood bonds between India and the Maldives.

Already in Delhi are Bangladesh President Sheikh Hasina and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif. Joining them are leaders from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Bhutan.

'The visit by these leaders underscores the strategic importance of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' vision,' stated the Ministry of External Affairs.

India has been actively engaging with Indian Ocean region countries under the SAGAR framework for regional security and growth.

After the swearing-in ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu will host a banquet for the distinguished guests.

Muizzu's invitation holds particular significance given the recent friction in India-Maldives ties since his election, marked by his demand to withdraw Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Recently, these military posts were filled by civilian staff.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)