Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visits India for bilateral talks and aid discussion

Prior to the visit, the Maldives' relationship with India had deteriorated, with Muizzu requesting that Indian troops withdraw from the island nation, citing concerns over New Delhi's influence as a threat to Maldivian sovereignty. In a separate development, Muizzu is reportedly seeking a significant bailout worth hundreds of millions of dollars to address the Maldives' dire economic situation. The nation's foreign exchange reserves have dwindled to $440 million, barely enough to cover one-and-a-half months of imports, placing it on the cusp of a debt default.