On the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings to Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Government, and the people of Maldives, emphasizing the enduring cultural and civilizational ties between India and Maldives.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the significance of Eid-al-Fitr as a time to reflect on values such as compassion, brotherhood, and togetherness, which are crucial for fostering a peaceful and inclusive world.
The Indian High Commission shared Prime Minister Modi's warm wishes for President Muizzu and the Maldivian people, highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
However, recent tensions have emerged in the India-Maldives relationship, particularly regarding the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives. President Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, has expressed intentions to fulfill his election promise of removing Indian military personnel from the country. This move has led to the replacement of Indian military personnel with civilian personnel at certain aviation platforms in the Maldives.
Despite these challenges, the Maldives remains a crucial maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It holds a special position in India's strategic initiatives such as 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy' under the Modi government, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong and cooperative ties between the two nations.
