The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

A warm welcome to President @MMuizzu of Maldives as he arrives in New Delhi on a State Visit to India. Received by MoS @KVSinghMPGonda at the airport. The visit will provide further boost to this long-standing 🇮🇳-🇲🇻 comprehensive bilateral partnership. #NeighbourhoodFirst pic.twitter.com/FHoNN4C0U3

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is in India on a bilateral visit, and expressed confidence that Muizzu's talks with Prime Minister Narendra Mod

Since then, ties have been strained between the countries but experts say the visit indicates that the Maldives can't afford to ignore its giant neighbour. The foreign exchange reserves of the Maldives stood at about $440m (£334m) in September,

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who is in India on a bilateral visit, and expressed confidence that Muizzu's talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lend a "new impetus" to "our friendly ties".

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu arrived here on Sunday for a four-day state visit to reset the strained ties with India amid a looming economic crisis in the island nation

Muizzu’s recent comments on India have marked a significant shift from the “India Out” campaign that propelled him into the presidency last year