Ministers who criticised Modi resign, Maldives President likely to visit India soon

NEW DELHI: A recent report has claimed that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is likely to visit India soon. Muizzu's official spokesperson has confirmed this. President Muizzu's chief spokesperson, Heena Waleed, stated that Muizzu will visit India at a mutually convenient time for both countries. The announcement of Muizzu's visit comes after two former ministers, who were suspended for making allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resigned from the government.

It is unclear when President Muizzu will arrive in India. According to reports, a decision on this matter will be made after discussions.

Maldives had maintained a close relationship with India for a long time. However, things changed when President Muizzu came to power in November 2023. Muizzu, who had ties with China, demanded that Indian troops be withdrawn from the country. Following this, India withdrew all its troops from Maldives. Even after that, Maldivian ministers and others continued to level severe criticism against India, with some even going to the extent of insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Following Modi's visit to Lakshadweep in January, three ministers of Maldives had criticised him on social media, making derogatory remarks about him. The posts were later withdrawn following controversy. Following the posts shared by the Maldives ministers, several Indians cancelled their trips to the Maldives. Many people shared screenshots of cancelled flight tickets and holiday plans, announcing that they would boycott Maldives as a vacation destination.

The controversy had a significant impact on Maldives' economy, which heavily relies on tourism as a primary source of revenue. Sensing the danger, the authorities approached India to be a part of the country's tourism sector. Following this, the Maldives initiated steps to warm up relations with India. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also visited the Maldives.