Maldives President Muizzu receives ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was accorded a grand ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday, as part of his inaugural five-day bilateral visit to India.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed upon their arrival at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Earlier in the day, President Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. After laying a wreath at the Gandhi memorial, the Maldivian President signed the visitors’ book.

As part of his official schedule, President Muizzu is expected to hold crucial bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The discussions are likely to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, and regional cooperation, and exploring new avenues for mutual development in line with the Maldives’ current priorities.

President Muizzu and the First Lady arrived in India on Sunday, where they were received by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kiriti Vardhan Singh. This visit comes at the official invitation of President Droupadi Murmu and marks Muizzu’s first state visit to India since assuming office.

President Muizzu also met with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar on Sunday. According to a release from the Maldives Foreign Ministry, the two leaders discussed the progress of ongoing Indian-supported initiatives in the Maldives and explored additional opportunities for collaboration that could benefit both nations.

As part of his visit, President Muizzu and the First Lady interacted with the Maldivian community residing in New Delhi. During the engagement, they inquired about the well-being of the Maldivians living in India, listened to their concerns, and reassured them of the administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the expatriate community.

This visit marks President Muizzu’s second trip to India this year, following his attendance at Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June.