Mohamed Muizzu accepts invitation to attend Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony amid recent India-Maldives diplomatic tension

Several world leaders, including Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, will be visiting India to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The relationship between India and Maldives started to deteriorate since Muizzu took over the office last year.

Diplomatic tensions reached a flashpoint in recent times between the two countries over remarks made by some Maldives ministers against Indian PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, to promote the Indian Union Territory having the potential to compete with tourism major Maldives.

The oath-taking ceremony to mark the beginning of Modi’s third term will be held on Sunday.

In addition to participating in the swearing-in ceremony, the leaders will attend a Banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the same evening.

“The visit of the leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his third consecutive term is in keeping with the highest priority accorded by India to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR’ vision,” read a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Muizzu was quick to congratulate Modi after the latter won the polls this week following a seven-phased Indian general polls.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi, and the BJP and BJP-led NDA, on the success in the 2024 Indian General Election, for the third consecutive term,” the President posted on X wishing the PM.