Heads of neighbouring countries received invitations to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the third term of the Narendra Modi government. Among the notable invitees were Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Mauritius Prime Minister, Seychelles Vice President, and other regional leaders. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who had previously congratulated Modi on his victory via Twitter, was also formally invited. Upon the confirmation of Modi’s third term, Muizzu accepted the invitation and arrived in Delhi on Sunday, where Foreign Secretary Pawan Kapoor welcomed him at the airport.
In his message, Muizzu extended his best wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, and the BJP-led NDA coalition, underlining the importance of collaboration for the mutual welfare and stability of both nations. This visit marks Muizzu’s inaugural official trip to India since taking office on November 7. Despite initially adopting an anti-India stance, Muizzu’s presidency saw him making visits to Turkey and China before ultimately accepting the invitation to India.
During Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, he tackled challenges confronting the Maldives’ tourism industry, which had been adversely affected by personal attacks against Modi made by certain members of Muizzu’s cabinet. This situation resulted in strained relations and a downturn in Maldives tourism. Modi’s initial official engagement post-swearing-in was a bilateral discussion with Muizzu, underscoring the significance of diplomatic dialogue between the two nations.
The attendance of Muizzu at the ceremony, along with the constructive dialogue between the leaders, signals a positive trajectory in bilateral relations, fostering stability and prosperity in the region.
