Narendra Modi greets Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Eid Al-Adha amid strained relationship

Indian Embassy in Maldives posted on X: "On the auspicious occasion of Eid Al-Adha, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India @NarendraModiextended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr.@MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives. "

The pro-China President recently visited India to attend PM Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony after coming to power for the third straight term.

He was one of the first foreign leaders to wish Modi after his incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party won polls this month.

The relationship between India and Maldives started to deteriorate since Muizzu took over the office last year.

Diplomatic tensions reached a flashpoint in recent times between the two countries over remarks made by some Maldives ministers against Indian PM Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, to promote the Indian Union Territory having the potential to compete with tourism major Maldives.

Soon after being elected as the President of the nation, Muizzu directed the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the country, known as a popular travel destination for its picturesque beaches.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Muizzu during his recent visit to India.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X: "Delighted to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi."

"Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely," he said.