India's Decision on Representation at Maldivian President's Oath-Taking Ceremony Still Pending

 India is yet to decide on its representation at the oath-taking ceremony of Maldivian President-elect Mohamed Muizzu, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Muizzu, who is seen as pro-China, is scheduled to assume office on November 17. The Maldives has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the ceremony, but the decision on the level of representation is still pending. India expressed its intention to engage constructively with Muizzu's administration after he prioritized the relocation of Indian military personnel.

Bilateral ties between India and the Maldives have been strengthening in recent years, particularly in defense and security. Prime Minister Modi's attendance at the ceremony is yet to be confirmed. The Maldives has invited him to witness Muizzu's oath-taking as the President-elect. However, the level of India's representation is still under consideration by the Ministry of External Affairs. Muizzu is widely considered as pro-China. He is set to assume office on November 17. India had previously expressed its intention to engage constructively with Muizzu's administration after he emphasized the relocation of Indian military personnel as a priority.

The invitation to Prime Minister Modi indicates the desire to maintain and strengthen bilateral ties between India and the Maldives. Defense and security cooperation between the two countries has been on an upward trajectory in recent years. The Maldives is one of India's crucial maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean region. India and the Maldives have been collaborating on various infrastructure projects, including the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), which is funded by India. The project involves the construction of a bridge and causeway link to connect the capital city of Male with neighboring islands.

The Ministry of External Affairs has received the invitation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Maldivian President-elect Mohamed Muizzu. However, a decision on who will represent India at the ceremony is yet to be finalized. Prime Minister Modi had previously congratulated Muizzu on his victory in the Maldivian presidential elections. India remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. The focus of India's partnership with the Maldives has always been on capacity building and addressing shared challenges. Collaboration on areas such as transnational crimes and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) is essential for the region. India looks forward to engaging with the new administration in the Maldives on these issues.