New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on the occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr and PM Modi also highlighted the cultural and civilisational linkages between the two countries that go back in time.
PM Modi said, "As we celebrate Eid al-Fitr with traditional fervour, people across the world are reminded of the values of compassion, brotherhood and togetherness, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world that we all aspire for."
Hon'ble Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives, the Indian High Commission said in a post on X.
In his message, PM Modi underscored the deep-seated cultural and civilisational ties between India and Maldives, that go back in time. However, India-Maldives relations have faced challenges in recent times.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who assumed office in November, has been perceived as favoring closer ties with China. He maintained that he will keep his election promise of evicting Indian military personnel from his country.
Neighbourhood First Policy
The presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives, comprising 88 individuals stationed across three aviation platforms, has undergone significant change. Notably, the first contingent of 26 Indian military personnel has been replaced by civilian personnel.
The Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in its initiatives like ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ of the Modi government.