Eid-ul-Adha 2024: PM Modi extends greetings to Maldives President Mizzu, emphasises values of 'sacrifice' and 'brotherhood'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his wishes to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, emphasizing the "values of sacrifice, compassion, and brotherhood" as essential for building a peaceful world. The festive message comes amidst strained relations between the two nations.

In a press release, the Indian High Commission in Maldives shared the prime minister's Eid wishes for the president and the people of Maldives.

"On the auspicious occasion of Eid Al-Adha, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives," it said in a post on X.



In his message, PM Modi "emphasised the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, embodied by this festival, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world."

"Prime Minister also highlighted the celebration of the festival, as part of India's multi-cultural heritage, across the length and breadth of India with fervour and gaiety," the message read.

President Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, demanded the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, which escalated tensions. In response, India withdrew its troops ahead of the May 10 deadline set by Muizzu. The Indian military personnel were stationed in the Maldives to operate and maintain two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft that India had gifted earlier.

Despite these tensions, PM Modi's greeting to Muizzu could indicate India's efforts to mend ties and bring relations back on track. The invitation to President Muizzu for PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony was part of India's Neighbourhood First policy, aimed at strengthening ties with neighbouring countries and ensuring regional stability.

The Maldives holds a special place in India's initiatives like 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy' of the Modi government. This is evident in India's continued efforts to maintain a close relationship with the Maldives, despite recent strains.

But India extended an olive branch by inviting him to the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi. Union Minister S Jaishankar also held a bilateral meeting with the Maldivian President while he was in New Delhi. "Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely," he had said on 'X'.