Upon returning from the trip, Muizzu remarked that the visit was a "success" not just for the Maldives but for the region as well, and hoped for increased prosperity for Maldivians.

President Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China leader, rode to power in September last year with a pledge to remove all Indian military personnel from his country. The last of the 88-odd personnel were repatriated by the set deadline of May 10. 

Recently, Maldivian Minister for Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, hinted at India's interest in initiating discussions for an FTA between the two nations.

This comes just two months after a similar donation, highlighting China's growing influence in the region.

In the aftermath of the elections, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons congratulated the Maldives on the successful democratic process, highlighting China's readiness to collaborate closely with the nation. 

Mariyam Shiuna, the former deputy youth minister, reportedly mocked the Indian flag by incorporating parts of it into an altered campaign poster for the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). 

In response to the expression of gratitude from Maldivian minister Moosa Zameer towards India for renewing the quota to import essential commodities for the fiscal years 2024-2025, Union Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India's steadfast commitment to its policies of 'neighbourhood first' and SAGAR.

Asserting that Maldives is not a small nation, President Mohamed Muizzu has said that the steps taken by his government to ensure the Indian Ocean island nation's security on its own should not concern any "external parties".

These personnel were previously tasked with operating an advanced light helicopter (ALH) for the island nation.

Indian tourists, who used to flock to the Maldives, are now shunning the island nation and its tourism industry is already feeling the pinch of declined revenue, prompting calls for mending the fence with New Delhi.

Didi said India has been the first responder when the Maldives required help.

The country's main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which holds a majority in Parliament, last month wanted to submit a motion to impeach President Muizzu.