- Monday, February 24, 2025
The India-Maldives ties have come under stress as Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, sought expulsion of Indian military personnel from his country.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (10) greeted Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu, its government and the citizens on the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr and also highlighted the cultural and civilisational linkages between the two countries that go back in time.
He conveyed that “as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr with traditional fervour, people across the world are reminded of the values of compassion, brotherhood and togetherness, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world that we all aspire for.”
“Hon’ble Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives,” the Indian high commission said in a post on X.
Read: Sunak mentions Gaza in Eid message: ‘Bloodshed, suffering unbearable’
On the auspicious occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India ?? @NarendraModi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives ??.
The full PR is here: ?@IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/6TGwGKDalc
— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) April 10, 2024
In his message, the Indian PM also highlighted the cultural and civilisational linkages shared by India and Maldives that go back in time.
Read: Maldives alarmed as India tourists continue to boycott archipelago
He also greeted his own countrymen on the occasion.
Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this occasion further spread the spirit of compassion, togetherness and peace. May everyone be happy and healthy. Eid Mubarak!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2024
The India-Maldives ties have come under stress as Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, maintained after assuming charge as the president last November that he will keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.
There were 88 Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives.
The first batch of 26 Indian military personnel have been replaced by civilian personnel.
The Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region nd occupies a special place in its initiatives like ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ of the Modi government.
(With PTI inputs)
