Male: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday said that he would be honoured to attend Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, viewing it as an opportunity to reinforce the positive trajectory of bilateral relations between Maldives and India.

India's High Commissioner to Maldives, Munu Mahawar, personally delivered the invitation to President Muizzu during an official meeting at the President's Office in Male.

Confirmed by Maldivian officials, Muizzu, accompanied by the foreign minister and other dignitaries, will journey to New Delhi for the ceremony. This marks Muizzu's inaugural visit to India since assuming the presidency.

Muizzu's attendance holds significance amid previously strained relations between the two nations. Tensions arose last year when Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, assumed office and promptly called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, which was subsequently replaced by civilians.

In a recent gesture of goodwill, Muizzu congratulated Narendra Modi on his electoral victory, expressing eagerness to collaborate for the mutual benefit and stability of both countries.

Narendra Modi's imminent third term inauguration, following the BJP-led NDA's victory in the Lok Sabha polls, will take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu presiding over the ceremony.

Reflecting India's "Neighbourhood First Policy," the guest list for Modi's swearing-in ceremony emphasizes strategic relations with key nations in the Indian Ocean region. Attendees include Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda,' and Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

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