President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed commitment to preserve the close and historic ties Maldives has with India.

The Maldivian leader gave this assurance during a meeting with President of India Droupadi Murmu on the sidelines of his ongoing visit to the neighboring country to attend the swearing-in ceremony of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the new Council of Ministers.

The meeting was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Monday.

The meeting saw both leaders shedding light on the significance of working together for the development and prosperity of both nations.

Expressing appreciation for the Maldivian leader’s presence at the swearing-in ceremony on such short notice, the Indian president highlighted that this mirrored the confidence both countries have in the bilateral ties.

The Indian president congratulated President Muizzu on securing a super majority in the recent parliamentary election.

Further, she shed light on the "Neighborhood First Policy" of her government and expressed eagerness to continue contributing to the development of Maldives.

In turn, the Maldivian leader expressed gratitude to the president and government of India for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation, as well as for the continued assistance provided by India, to the government of Maldives.

Expressing commitment to preserve the close and historic bond Maldives enjoys with India, Muizzu expressed keen interest to see the existing relations between both neighboring countries taken to new heights.

Muizzu also signed the guest book at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after wrapping up the meeting.