Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu met Indian leader Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday in an effort to deepen ties after months of strained relations over the island nation's growing links with China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Monday. Muizzu, who is known for his China tilt, is on a five-day trip to India to mend the island nation's ties with New Delhi months after the diplomatic fiasco triggered by his ministers' objectionable remarks against PM Modi.

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks on Monday, with New Delhi promising to strengthen strategic cooperation as the island nation recovers from an economic crisis.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is expected to talk Monday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi as he aims to repair ties between the countries that have been strained since he came to power last year.

Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu with First Lady of Maldives Sajidha Mohamed, his Indian counterpart Droupadi Murmu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stands for a picture after his ceremonial reception at the forecourt of India's Presidential Palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu held a bilateral talk at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Earlier, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady of Maldives, Sajidha Mohamed arrived in New Delhi on October 06,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "First of all, I extend a hearty welcome to President Muizzu and his delegation. India and Maldives relations are centuries old. India is Maldives' nearest neighbour and close friend.