Who is Mohamed Muizzu? Maldives's President Welcomes More ...

The Maldives, a tropical archipelago nestled in the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for those seeking pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Composed of hundreds of small coral islands, the Maldives offers a secluded and idyllic escape.

Additionally, this beautiful island follows the presidential form of government, where the president is both the head of state and government, leading the country's executive branch. 

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

A few months ago, there were significant tensions in the relationship between the Maldives and India. One issue was the "India Out" campaign, which called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. This sentiment gained traction during Muizzu's campaign.

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

In an extensive interview with The Times of India, Muizzu stated, "Maldives would never do anything to undermine the security of India. While we enhance cooperation with other countries in various sectors, we remain committed to ensuring our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region." 

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

Muizzu pursued higher education in civil engineering, earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom. 

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

Muizzu's professional career began in March 1998 as a Construction and Public Works Planning Technician Trainee at the Ministry of Construction and Public Works. He later transitioned into significant roles within both the government and private sectors. 

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 Male’ Ring Road.

Before becoming the President of the Maldives, Muizzu was elected as the Mayor of Malé in May 2021, marking a significant achievement as he was the first mayor elected through direct voting by residents. 

His political journey culminated with his election as the 8th President of the Maldives on November 17, 2023. He campaigned on a platform that included promises of economic revival and a recalibration of foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with India.

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

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

The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives dates back to 1965 when the Maldives gained independence from British rule. India was one of the first countries to recognise the new nation and establish diplomatic relations.

Tensions have escalated since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in late 2023. He has been associated with the "India Out" campaign, which calls for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. 

This campaign reflects a growing sentiment among some Maldivians that Indian presence threatens national sovereignty. The situation worsened in January 2024 when derogatory remarks made by Maldivian officials about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led to a social media backlash in India, including calls for a boycott of Maldivian tourism.

The diplomatic fallout has significant economic implications for the Maldives, as tourism is a crucial sector of its economy, contributing around 20% to its GDP.  Indian tourists have historically made up a large portion of visitors to the Maldives, and any decline in this demographic could adversely affect the Maldivian economy.

The Maldives' pivot towards China under Muizzu's administration complicates matters further. The Maldivian government has sought 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 strategies regarding its neighbour.

Despite these tensions, there have been attempts to reset relations. In August 2024, following diplomatic engagements between Indian and Maldivian leaders, both countries expressed a willingness to resolve their differences and enhance cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure development and maritime security.

President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives is currently on a state visit to India from October 6 to October 10, 2024. This marks his first bilateral visit since taking office and follows a period of strained relations between the two nations due to the "India-Out" campaign that characterised his election rhetoric. 

During his visit, President Muizzu is scheduled to meet with Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions aim to address bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest, signalling a potential thaw in relations after months of tension. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed optimism that these talks would provide new momentum to India-Maldives ties.

Muizzu's visit comes at a critical time when both countries are looking to mend their diplomatic relations. His administration has been perceived as leaning towards China, raising concerns in New Delhi about its influence in the Indian Ocean region. However, Muizzu has emphasised that the Maldives values its relationship with India, stating that it will not undermine India's security and interests.

The visit includes plans for Muizzu to attend business events in Mumbai and Bengaluru, highlighting the economic dimensions of the relationship. Analysts suggest that Muizzu may seek financial assistance and discuss potential currency swap arrangements during his talks with Indian leaders, given the Maldives' pressing economic challenges.