Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizu, the government and people of the Maldives on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and highlighted the age-old cultural and civilizational ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi said, “As we celebrate Eid with traditional fervor, people around the world are reminded of the values ​​of compassion, brotherhood and unity that are essential for building a peaceful and inclusive world that we all aspire to. “

The Honorable Prime Minister of India @Narendra Modi extends warm greetings to the President of the Maldives His Excellency Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government and people of the Republic of Maldives. “

India’s relationship with the Maldives has come under pressure as Muizu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, insisted after taking office in November that he would fulfill a campaign promise to expel Indian military personnel from the country.

There are 88 Indian military personnel on board three aviation platforms in the Maldives. The first batch of 26 Indian military personnel has been replaced by civilian personnel.

The Maldives is India’s major maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a special place in initiatives such as ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Modi government’s ‘Neighborhood First Policy’.