Who is Mohamed Muizzu? Maldives’s President Welcomes More Indian Tourists

A tropical archipelago nestled in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a dream destination for those seeking pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life. Made up of hundreds of small coral islands, the Maldives offer a secluded and idyllic getaway.

Additionally, this beautiful island has a presidential system of government, where the president is both the head of state and the head of government, leading the executive branch of the country.

Currently, Mohammad Muizzu serves as the President of the Maldives, having been elected in 2023 with a majority of 54.05%, defeating the current President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

A few months ago, relations between the Maldives and India were severely strained. One of the issues is the “India Out” movement, which calls for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. This sentiment found support during Muizu’s campaign.

However, the president has now expressed his commitment to maintaining strong ties with India and working to resolve any existing tensions through diplomatic channels.

In an interview with the Times of India, Muizhu said, “The Maldives will never do anything to harm India’s security. While we strengthen cooperation with other countries in various fields, we remain committed to ensuring that our actions do not harm India’s security.” India’s safety and security. “Stability in our region. ”

Who is Mohamed Muizou?

Mohamed Muizzu was born on June 15, 1978 in Male, the capital of Maldives. His parents divorced shortly after his birth, and he was raised primarily by his grandmother. Eventually, he moved back to live with his mother for an elementary education before returning to his father’s home.

educate

Muizzu received higher education in civil engineering and received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Leeds, UK.

He also holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the American Project Management Institute, which highlights his expertise in managing large-scale projects.

Profession

Muizzu began his career in March 1998 as a Building and Public Works Planning Technician Trainee with the Department of Building and Public Works. He later held key positions in government and the private sector.

Notably, he served as Minister of Housing and Infrastructure from 2012 to 2018, overseeing major housing projects and infrastructure developments across the Maldives. His tenure included landmark projects such as the Sinamale Bridge and the Male Ring Road.

political career

Before becoming the President of the Maldives, Muizou was elected as the Mayor of Male in May 2021. He was the first mayor elected through direct voting by residents, which is a major achievement.

His political journey culminated with his election as the eighth President of the Maldives on November 17, 2023. His campaign platform included promises of economic recovery and a refocusing of foreign policy, particularly in relations with India.

personal life

Mohamed Muizzu married Sajidha Mohamed in 2003 and they have children. He is known for his commitment to social welfare and environmental issues, often engaging directly with citizens to better understand their needs.

India-Maldives relations: A complete analysis

India and the Maldives have a complex relationship characterized by historical ties, cultural ties and strategic interests, but recent political changes have strained this partnership.

historical background

Diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives date back to 1965, when the Maldives gained independence from British rule. India was one of the first countries to recognize the new country and establish diplomatic relations.

recent tensions

Tensions have escalated since President Mohamed Muizou took office in late 2023. He has been associated with the “India Exit” movement, which calls for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

The campaign reflects growing sentiment among some Maldivians that India’s presence threatens the country’s sovereignty. The situation worsened in January 2024 when derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi triggered a backlash on Indian social media, including calls for a boycott of Maldivian tourism.

economic impact

Diplomatic influence has significant economic implications for the Maldives, as tourism is an important sector of its economy, accounting for around 20% of its GDP. Historically, Indian tourists have accounted for a large portion of Maldivian visitors, and any decline in this group could have an adverse impact on the Maldivian economy.

geopolitical dynamics

The Maldives’ pivot to China under Muizu’s government has further complicated matters. The Maldives government seeks closer ties with Beijing, raising concerns in New Delhi about China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region. This geopolitical shift has prompted India to reassess its strategy towards its neighbours.

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Despite these tensions, there were attempts to rebuild relations. After diplomatic contacts between the leaders of India and the Maldives in August 2024, both countries expressed their willingness to resolve differences and strengthen cooperation in various fields such as infrastructure development and maritime security.

Maldives President visits India (2024)

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizou is currently scheduled to pay a state visit to India from October 6 to 10, 2024. This is his first bilateral visit since taking office, after relations between the two countries fell into a tense period due to the “Indian troop withdrawal”. ” This campaign embodies his campaign rhetoric.

#watch |Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Maldives President Mohamed Muizou at Hyderabad House. The leaders of the two countries are meeting here.

(Video: DD News) pic.twitter.com/P3oE9MVRay — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2024

Purpose of visit

During his visit, President Muizu is scheduled to meet Indian President Drupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions aimed to address bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern, marking a possible thaw in relations between the two countries after months of tensions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is optimistic that these talks will provide new impetus to India-Malaysia relations.

The significance of this visit

Muizu’s visit comes at a critical moment when the two countries are seeking to repair diplomatic relations. His government is seen as tilting toward China, raising concerns in New Delhi about its influence in the Indian Ocean region. However, Muizu stressed that the Maldives values ​​its relations with India and will not harm India’s security and interests.

economic participation

The visit, which includes Muizur’s planned participation in business events in Mumbai and Bengaluru, highlights the economic dimension of the relationship. Analysts said Muizul may seek financial assistance and discuss potential currency swap arrangements in talks with Indian leaders, given the pressing economic challenges facing the Maldives.