Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu extended his greetings to India on the occasion of 75th Republic Day.
A Chinese research vessel is heading to Maldives, Reuters reported, citing an Indian military official and an independent researcher. The timing coincides with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's recent state visit to China, aimed at strengthening ties.
During the meeting, Sun Haiyan stated that all relevant authorities are eager to collaborate with their Maldivian counterparts under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has asked the Indian government to withdraw the Indian troops from the island nation before March 15, Maldives-based Adhadhu newspaper reported on Sunday.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu said that the country might be small, but it does not give anyone the licence to "bully" them, Maldives-based newspaper SunOnline International reported.
Amid the controversy around the disparaging remarks by Maldivian ministers and government officials against Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his recent visit to Lakshadweep, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted a state banquet for Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha
The appeal comes in the wake of a diplomatic spat leading to the cancellation of reservations by Indian tourists for Maldives as derogatory remarks were made by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Muizzu and his wife are on a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is the first bilateral visit since assuming office on December 17 last year.
Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed condemned the derogatory remarks made by the Maldives Minister and urged President Mohamed Muizzu to distance the government from the comments.
After departing from convention in picking Turkey, and, not India, for his first official visit, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, will undertake a state visit to China from January 7-12.