Pres Muizzu hints India trip soon

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has hinted on a possible trip to India soon.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, President Muizzu had spoken with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on a possible trip to soon, though the exact date has not been finalized.

Zameer, who spoke with Indian news outlet ANI, confirmed to the media that he discussed about the president's trip with his Indian counterpart during their recent meeting.

While all previous Presidents first visited Indian on official trips after oath taking, Dr. Muizzu first visited to Turkey, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and China instead.

The Foreign Minister justified President's trip to India was postponed to seek a mutually beneficial date for the two countries.

"President had visited both Turkey and China, and there were talks about visiting India as well, but we believed it was best to put off the trip for later to ensure both countries will have a more convenient date for the meeting," Zameer said.

Zameer who has flown back to the Maldives after concluding his official trip to India, said he spoke with Dr. Jaishankar on seeking leniences for debt repayment.

At their meeting, Zameer thanked Dr. Jaishankar for Indian government's assistance to the Maldives. 

After Dr. Muizzu opted out from flying to India first for his official visit, the political opposition began speculating it was the first sign on deteriorating tensions between the two countries. Following this, both the opposition and some India media outlets began spreading rumors of the current government being 'pro-China', an allegation Dr. Muizzu and the administration continuously refuted.

In response to such rumors, Dr. Muizzu had earlier stated his policies are 'Pro-Maldives'.