Solih unable to meet Indian PM due to absence from Maldives

Despite a proposal from the government of India for a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during Modi’s ongoing official visit to the Maldives, it has been confirmed that the meeting will not take place.

A proposed meeting between Indian PM Modi and former Maldivian President Solih will not take place, according to Solih’s office.

Officials from the former President’s office confirmed that a separate meeting had been proposed as part of Prime Minister Modi’s official visit. However, the meeting could not be arranged as Solih is currently abroad receiving medical treatment.

Despite his absence, President Solih issued a statement warmly welcoming Prime Minister Modi to the Maldives, where he is attending Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honor.

In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives, calling it a strong reflection of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

Solih noted that despite "deliberate political attempts" to strain relations with India, Modi’s visit underscores India's deep respect for the Maldivian people and its role as a trusted and long-standing partner.

Modi is arrived in the Maldives on Friday morning, at the invitation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to participate as the guest of honor in the country’s Independence Day celebrations.

During his visit, Modi is expected to stay at the Kurumba Village Resort.

Several of the current government’s senior officials were actively involved in the "India Out" campaign, working to instill fear and hatred towards India in the hearts of Maldivians.

After coming to power through the "India Out" campaign, three deputy ministers appointed by Muizzu ran a social media campaign mocking and disrespecting Modi, which caused bilateral relations to deteriorate to an unprecedented low, resulting in a significant decrease in the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives.

Further, after his inaugural visit to China, President Muizzu made disparaging remarks about India while speaking to journalists upon his return. He stated that the small size of a country does not give a larger country a license to “bully” the Maldives.

In his statement, President Solih thanked President Muizzu for inviting Prime Minister Modi to grace the Maldives Independence Day celebrations. He also expressed confidence that the visit would be successful and would elevate the relationship between the two countries to new heights.