External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu who is in India on a bilateral visit, and said he is confident that the talks that Muizzu would have with Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lend a "new impetus" to "our friendly ties".
Though the Maldivian president attended PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony in June, it is his first bilateral visit to India.
This week, the Ministry of External Affairs while announcing Muizzu's trip to India has said that it is likely to further give impetus to cooperation and strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.".
In a post on X on Sunday, Jaishankar said, "Pleased to call on President @MMuizzu today at the beginning of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his commitment to enhance India-Maldives relationship. Confident that his talks with PM @narendramodi tomorrow will give a new impetus to our friendly ties."
The external affairs minister also posted some pictures along with his post about the meeting.
The bilateral ties between India and the Maldives have been severely strained since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.
Bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest will be discussed between Modi and Muizzu, MEA said while announcing the visit.
Muizzu is also meeting President Droupadi Murmu during his visit.
He is scheduled to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru besides Delhi. During the visit, he will attend business events.
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