Modi heads to Maldives to reset strained ties, counter China's dominance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his first-ever visit to the Maldives for the swearing-in of its new president, signaling a shift in the island nation toward India and away from China.

The Saturday visit -- the first by an Indian head of state since 2011 -- is expected to reset strained ties with the Maldives as Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, a veteran opposition politician, takes over after successfully ousting former pro-China president Abdulla Yameen.

Solih’s new government is expected to end political uncertainty in the South Asian archipelago nation that preceded a tense election this September. The former president received international condemnation