- President Muizzu’s visit to India aims to restore strained diplomatic ties following the Lakshadweep Islands row.
- Key outcomes include India’s continued developmental support, including the RuPay card launch and a $132 million project for Hanimaadhoo International Airport.
- This visit reflects India’s role as a major development partner for the Maldives, with an emphasis on strengthening ties while addressing the Maldivian economic crisis.
President Mohammed Muizzu’s four-day state visit to India, from October 6 to October 10, marks his second visit to the country, following his attendance at Prime Minister Modi’s third-term oath-taking ceremony. This visit comes at a crucial time, nine months after the Lakshadweep Islands row, which caused a stagnation in relations between India and the Maldives. However, this visit signals renewed efforts from both sides to soften their positions and collaborate on multiple fronts, aiming to restore and strengthen diplomatic ties.
India has long been a close friend and development partner of the Maldives, committed to its growth and prosperity. This visit is expected to further bolster ongoing bilateral ties between the two nations. Multiple development projects are set to be handed over to the Maldives during this visit.
On the first day of President Muizzu’s state visit, he met key Indian officials. On October 7, an official welcome was extended to President Muizzu, followed by the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and the inauguration of various development projects. Among the key outcomes of the visit, a significant development was the introduction of India’s RuPay card in the Maldives, which will benefit Indian travellers by making transactions easier.
Another major project was the development of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, for which India provided a $132 million line of credit to the Maldives. This includes the expansion of the runway, construction of air traffic control towers, and other facilities, enhancing the airport’s cargo capacity and improving housing and accommodation services. This reflects India’s consistent role as a significant development partner, even during challenging times.
Despite the diplomatic tensions stemming from the Lakshadweep Islands row, India has continued its development projects in the Maldives, showcasing the strong ties that endure between the two nations.
President Muizzu’s visit comes at a crucial time for the Maldives, which has been facing multiple crises since January, particularly following the Lakshadweep Islands dispute with India. The Maldivian economy has struggled, with depleting foreign exchange reserves and a tourism industry hit hard, especially due to the reduced number of Indian tourists following the controversy over the Lakshadweep row. These economic pressures have intensified on several fronts.
The Maldivian economy is currently under significant strain, and President Muizzu, understanding India’s key role in the country’s development, is seeking to repair relations and attract Indian support. His visit is largely seen as an effort to address the ongoing economic crisis in the Maldives and undo some of the strained ties with India. He recognizes India’s crucial role in the economic development of the Maldives and aims to foster stronger cooperation to help the country recover and stabilize its economy.
India has consistently shown great pragmatism in its neighbourhood policy, especially since Prime Minister Modi’s administration came to power in 2014. A major emphasis has been placed on strengthening ties with neighbouring countries. Even when differences arose between India and the Maldives, the Indian government avoided arrogance or isolating the Maldives, instead seeking pragmatic and diplomatic solutions.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s foreign policy approach, India understands the importance of the geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, particularly concerning China. As a result, India has maintained a balanced diplomatic stance, including in its dealings with the Maldives.
In light of recent developments, relations between India and the Maldives appear to be improving. President Muizzu seems to have recognized past mistakes in his approach to India and now understands the benefits India brings to the island nation. This is reflected in his approval of India’s military presence and infrastructure development within the Maldives. This marks a major diplomatic win for India, given the strategic importance of the Maldives to its security interests.
Moving forward, the relationship between India and the Maldives is expected to strengthen, as long as President Muizzu continues to avoid past missteps that contributed to the economic and social challenges within the Maldives.
References:
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Balaji Subramanian 
Dhruv Ashok