Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Maldives marks a significant turning point in bilateral relations. There was a time this relationship was fractured following President Mohamed Muizzu’s unwelcoming words, India Out.
Yet, PM Modi has firmly stated that the India-Maldives friendship would always “remain bright and clear” regardless of a discouraging past.
He called the relationship “older than history and as deep as the sea.”
According to various reports, during the visit, PM Modi and President Muizzu inaugurated a series of India-backed initiatives, including a new defence ministry complex in Malé, road and drainage systems in Addu city, and 3,300 housing units in Hulhumale.
Reports added that Modi also handed over 72 vehicles and equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force.
He referred to the new defence building. PM Modi said it was a “concrete building of trust”. He believes it’s proof of a “strong partnership” between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi also spoke glowingly on the Maldives being a pillar in India’s regional strategy.
He said that the island nation occupies a special place in New Delhi’s broader vision, one that spans the interconnected arenas of trade, defence cooperation, and maritime security.
“India will continue to support the Maldives in the development of its defence capabilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,” he affirmed.
Reiterating the enduring bond, he added, “India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood by as a ‘first responder’.”
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu called India “the Maldives’ most trusted development partner”.
He spoke of the need to strengthen collaboration: “India has long stood as the Maldives’s closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens.”
The discussions, which Muizzu called “productive,” aimed at strengthening the Maldives-India development partnership and reinforcing people-to-people ties: “focused on carrying forward the Maldives-India development partnership in key areas of common interest and on providing all the support in our disposal to increase the time-immemorial people-to-people connections that lay the foundation of our neighbourly ties.”
“India has long stood as the Maldives’s closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens,” Muizzu was quoted as saying. “Every day hundreds of Maldivians travel to India for medical care, education and business, just as we warmly welcome members of the Indian diaspora who continue to contribute meaningfully to our economy and society.”
During the trip, India announced a Rs 4,850 crore (USD 565 million) line of credit to support infrastructure development aligned with the priorities of the Maldivian people. “This amount will be used for projects related to the development of infrastructure in the Maldives, in accordance with the priorities of the people of the country,” the Prime Minister declared.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri revealed that the agreement signed would slash the Maldives’ annual debt repayment to India by 40 per cent.
Was the China issue broached? Reports claim there had been no mention of China’s influence. However, a section of the media also reported that Misri affirmed that India remains committed to working with the Maldives on matters that “impinge not just our security but the common security of the region.”
Even as geopolitical concerns loomed in the background, definitive signs of warmth were apparent in PM Modi’s confirmation that a bilateral investment treaty was on the verge of completion. He also specified that a free trade agreement between the two nations has already been initiated.
In a gesture of diplomatic courtesy, President Muizzu congratulated PM Modi on completing 4,078 consecutive days in office, making him the second-longest-serving Indian Prime Minister in consecutive terms, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record. “This remarkable milestone, 4078 consecutive days in office, is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people,” he said.
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