According to sources, during the meeting, President Muizu raised with Rijiju the issue of being present for medical evacuation of Indian military personnel in Maldives and operation of aircraft to combat drug smuggling.
President Muizu acknowledged the medical assistance provided by Indian helicopters and planes to Maldivian citizens. He praised their role in monitoring and fighting drug trafficking.
It was agreed in the meeting that the two governments will discuss practical solutions for continued cooperation in the use of this helpful platform as it serves the interests of the Maldivian people.
A 36-year-old woman was medically evacuated in critical condition. Mail’ City from Atoll Hospital today at 17:04 hrs by MNDF Dornier aircraft by MNDF Central Area Command. pic.twitter.com/MbS3LJRFjx
— Maldives National Defense Force (@MNDF_Official) November 18, 2023
It may be noted that around 70 Indian soldiers operate radar stations and surveillance aircraft in Maldives. Mohammad Muizu had promised during the election campaign that he would remove the Indian Army from there. Muizhu is considered to be close to China. He took oath today and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju met him today. Prime Minister Modi was invited for the oath ceremony.
Muizu said that the withdrawal of the Indian Army from the Maldives does not mean moving closer to China. He also said that Maldives is such a small country that it cannot get involved in any geopolitical issue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Muizu
Underlining India’s ‘neighbourhood first policy’, Union Minister Rijiju represented the country at the swearing-in ceremony of Mohammed Muizu as the new President of Maldives on Friday.
After the meeting, Rijiju said on ‘X’, “Delighted to meet President Dr Mohammad Muizhu. On behalf of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he congratulated him and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Privilege to meet the President H Dr. Mohammed Muizu.
Greetings from Hon’ble PM @Narendra Modi and reiterated India’s commitment to deepen significant bilateral cooperation and strong people-to-people ties. pic.twitter.com/nFa95QD9ES— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 18, 2023
Muizoo is a close ally of former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen. Yameen established close ties with China during his tenure as president from 2013 to 2018. Muizu defeated his pro-India predecessor Ibrahim Mohammad Solih in the September election.
Rijiju also took stock of a 4,000-house housing project, which is being jointly developed by Government of India unit NBCC, Exim Bank of India and a private company. The project to provide affordable housing has been partnered with the Government of Maldives.