Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu Appeals Indian Tourists ‘To Return’

New Delhi:  In a diplomatic U-turn, the Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu, who is currently on his first bilateral visit to India, said his country will not act to undermine India’s security and views New Delhi as a “valued partner and friend”, and cooperation in several fields – including defence – will “always be a priority.”

Muizzu told Times of India that the Maldives’ relationship with India is “built on respect and shared interests” and that Delhi has been, and is, one of his country’s largest trade and development partners. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later today.

While not naming China, Muizzu also underlined his administration’s resolve to “fostering growth and development through diverse international collaborations”. He flagged his ‘Maldives First’ policy, saying “it is essential for the Maldives to diversify international relations and reduce over-dependence on any one country”. However, he said that such engagements would not undermine India’s interests.

“Respect for our neighbours and friends is embedded in our DNA,” he said as he also called on Indian tourists to return. “Indians make a positive contribution… Indian tourists are welcome,” he told the Times of India.

“This historic relationship is intertwined like the roots of a tree… built on centuries of exchange and values shared. The relationship between the Maldives and India has always been strong…”

Earlier, Muizzu denied having an ‘India Out’ agenda but insisted his country had a “serious problem” with the presence of foreign military on its soil. “The people of Maldives do not want a single foreign soldier in the country,” news agency PTI quoted his comments to local website adhadhu.com.

Muizzu also spoke about India-assisted infrastructure projects, like the Greater Male connectivity scheme and water and sewerage facilities for 28 islands in the archipelago.