Maldivian leader attends Indian PM Modi’s inauguration

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on Sunday, attended the inauguration ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he takes office for a historic third time.

The inauguration ceremony was held at India’s presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan in the capital New Delhi.

The ceremony saw the inauguration of Modi for a historic third term - the first-ever to do so since the independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru – and the inauguration of the Council of Ministers of the Government of India. 

The oath of office of the Prime Minister was administered by Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

The ceremony was attended by thousands of dignitaries, including leaders from neighboring countries.

Following the inauguration ceremony, President Muizzu participated in a commemorative photograph with Modi and other heads of the state and government.

President Muizzu departed for India to attend the inauguration ceremony last night. The acceptance of the invitation was described by the President’s Office as a notion that relations between the two neighboring nations are on a positive trajectory.

Modi’s first inauguration as the prime minister was attended by then-Maldivian president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom on May 26, 2014.

Modi attended the inauguration ceremony of Yameen’s successor, former president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

President Muizzu who was elected to office with Yameen’s backing has been dubbed by many as ‘pro-China’ while his predecessor, Solih, was dubbed ‘pro-India’.

Relations between Maldives and India soured after President Muizzu took office, when three senior Maldivian government officials made derogatory remarks towards Modi and India.

While all three deputy ministers remain in suspension, the Maldivian government has affirmed their remarks do not reflect the views of the government.