New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi during his first official bilateral visit to India.

President Muizzu, along with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, arrived in New Delhi on Sunday for a four-day visit, which will include meetings with President Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and other senior Indian officials.

The visit, scheduled from October 6-10, 2024, comes at the official invitation of President Murmu. Muizzu’s agenda aims to strengthen ties between India and the Maldives, and this is his second visit to India this year. Earlier, he attended Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony in June.

In recent discussions at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Muizzu emphasized the "very strong" bilateral relationship between the two nations. He also mentioned his plan to visit India at the earliest opportunity, reflecting the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries.

During his presidential campaign, Muizzu focused on the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives under the "India Out" initiative, which was a central aspect of his party's platform. Despite this, the visit highlights efforts to maintain cordial relations between India and the Maldives.

Maldives President Muizzu Likely to Visit India: Key Discussions Planned