President-elect’s Office spokesman Mohamed Firzul has said that countries are invited to the swearing-in ceremony of Mohamed Muizzu and not to individuals.

Mr. Firzul’s comments came in after local media reported that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Responding to the media reports, Firzul said that no special focus has been given on any specific invitations and as mentioned on several occasions in the past, all the neighbouring countries and many countries with close ties with the Maldives have been invited.

Firzul said the Indian media has been informed in the same manner. Firzul said the invitation was sent to countries and multilateral organisations that have established diplomatic relations with the Maldives. He also clarified that individuals were not invited.

Parliament had earlier said that around 3,500 people will be invited for the swearing-in ceremony on May 17. More than a thousand members of the public will be invited, the House said.