Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is expected to visit India next week, marking the first high-level visit since the election of pro-China President Muizzu. The visit aims to discuss potential future travel plans for Muizzu to India and explore possibilities for a softer approach to loan repayments. Muizzu has previously sought debt relief from India, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respectful relations based on sovereignty.
Zameer’s visit is intended to foster productive groundwork ahead of his counterpart’s potential trip to India later this year. The Maldivian authorities had earlier suggested Muizzu visit India in November, shortly after taking office.
Amidst diplomatic tensions, Zameer’s visit seeks to build upon recent positive gestures, such as India’s decision to increase the export of essential items to the Maldives. Zameer expressed gratitude for the move, highlighting its significance in strengthening bilateral trade and commerce.
The visit also coincides with India’s preparations for the upcoming G20 summit. Zameer’s presence represents one of the final high-profile foreign visits during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term in office.
Given the strategic significance of the Maldives, with major commerce lanes passing through the Indian Ocean, India has reluctantly agreed to withdraw its troops from the country by May 10. Muizzu made his first state visit to China in January, reflecting a shift in diplomatic priorities. During his tour, he inked several agreements with Beijing, including one facilitating defense aid.
