News Desk
MUMBAI—As part of his state visit to India, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, after completing his official engagements in New Delhi, continued his journey with a visit to Agra. There, the President, along with the First Lady, had a brief stop at the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s architectural wonders, which provided a moment for the first couple of the Maldives to take in its splendor and participate in a photo opportunity.
Following this visit, President Muizzu flew to Mumbai, where a packed schedule awaited him. Among his engagements, a meeting with Bollywood celebrities was a highlight of his trip. On Tuesday, the President met several prominent stars and actors from the Bollywood industry who took the opportunity to praise the Maldives for its natural beauty and hospitality.
During the Maldives-India Tourism Networking Evening, the Bollywood celebrities shared their personal experiences in the Maldives, noting the country’s tranquil settings, clear waters, and luxurious resorts. Some of them expressed their admiration for the Maldives as a favorite destination for relaxation and film shoots. The positive experiences they recounted while speaking to President Muizzu reinforced the Maldives’ reputation as a premier tourist destination, not only for Indian visitors but for travelers across the globe.
President Muizzu, in return, extended his appreciation to the actors for their kind words, emphasizing the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining its status as a top travel destination. He acknowledged the deep ties between India and the Maldives, which have strengthened in recent years through tourism and cultural exchanges, particularly with the growing influence of Bollywood stars as global ambassadors for the country’s tourism sector.
This interaction between President Muizzu and Bollywood’s elite marks yet another instance of India’s powerful cultural connection to the Maldives. The Maldives remains a beloved getaway for Bollywood celebrities, many of whom have become unofficial promoters of the country’s serene islands and high-end resorts, frequently sharing their experiences on social media.
President Muizzu’s visit to Mumbai was part of a broader diplomatic tour aimed at fostering stronger bilateral ties between India and the Maldives. During his stay in Mumbai, the Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan, paid a courtesy call on the President, underscoring the significance of high-level engagements between regional leaders and the Maldives head of state.
In a gesture of hospitality, Governor Radhakrishnan also hosted an official dinner at Raj Bhavan, the Governor’s residence, in honor of President Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed. The event, which took place on Tuesday evening, was attended by members of the presidential delegation, senior officials from the Government of Maharashtra, and other dignitaries.
The dinner served as a platform for further discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Maldives and the Indian state of Maharashtra. The presence of key officials from both sides highlighted the importance of regional ties within the broader context of India-Maldives relations.
As part of President Muizzu’s ongoing state visit to India, these engagements in Mumbai reflect a deepening partnership between the two nations, built not only on shared economic interests but also on cultural and diplomatic exchanges.
His engagements in both New Delhi and Mumbai have been closely followed, as the President has prioritized enhancing economic, tourism, and cultural links between the two nations during his state visit.
His meeting with Bollywood stars in particular highlights the unique role India’s film industry plays in elevating the Maldives’ profile on the international stage. With millions of followers globally, Bollywood stars have the ability to shape perceptions and promote the Maldives as a dream destination for travelers.
As President Muizzu continues his official state visit, this engagement with Indian entertainment icons further underscores the mutually beneficial relationship between the Maldives and India. The President’s tour, though diplomatic in nature, provided an opportunity to strengthen cultural connections that are integral to the tourism industry—a cornerstone of the Maldivian economy.
