- The PM’s recent visit again signals a renewed commitment from both nations to strengthen their existing ties and explore new avenues of partnership.
- India and the Maldives marked 60 years of their diplomatic relations this year, and being the closest neighbour in the Indian Ocean holds a significant place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.
- Maldives’ foreign policy in recent times was largely influenced by Muizzu and his party’s India Out campaign, domestic politics, and pro-China tilt.
In a historic first, an Indian PM attended the Independence Day celebrations of the Republic of Maldives on July 25th. The island nation observed its 60th Independence Day, and PM Modi was invited as the Guest of Honour at the event and received a warm welcome from the Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu. The celebrations took place in the Maldivian capital, Male, and featured military parades and cultural performances by traditional artists and schoolchildren, thereby reflecting the nation’s rich heritage.
Speaking at the celebration, Prime Minister Modi said, “India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a long history of cultural and economic exchanges.” He described India-Maldives ties “older than history and as deep as the sea”. The PM further emphasised the importance of people-to-people ties and reiterated India’s commitment to supporting the Maldives in its development journey.
Several high-ranking officials from both countries were also present at the event. From India, key members of the Prime Minister’s delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Top political and military leadership from the Maldives also participated in the ceremonial events.
The Maldivian President remarked on the visit as a pivotal moment in the country’s bilateral relations with India. In a statement released by the President’s Office, Muizzu described it as “a defining visit that sets a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations.” President Muizzu also acknowledged and valued India’s role as the First Responder for the Maldives in times of crisis or any disaster.[1]
The two leaders further expressed their willingness to enhance their economic engagements and discussed having a free trade agreement. PM Modi announced a financial commitment of providing the Maldives with a line of credit of USD 565 million and supporting the Maldives in its defence capabilities. This is essential as security cooperation in the Indian Ocean is of equal concern to both sides. Some of the other key outcomes of the meeting were the exchange of 6 MoUs in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmaceuticals, etc. The meeting not only highlighted the evolving strategic partnership between India and the Maldives but also reflected upon their historical and cultural connection as close neighbours.
This visit in particular is significant because of the recent tension between India and the Maldives. Over the past year, relations between the two sides have been tense and often subject to political ill will. President Muizzu, after coming to power in 2023, advocated for an ‘India Out’ campaign, which strained India’s relations with the island nation. Their policies reflected a tilt towards China, and at the same time, very selectively engaged with India. For instance, while the Maldives government did not cancel any existing major projects with India, it has also refrained from initiating new ones. Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy, while discussing the changing India-Maldives relations, comments:
“This policy was largely influenced by Muizzu and his party’s India Out campaign, domestic politics, and pro-China tilt. However, over the past year, the relationship has seen a recalibration. Given the new complexities and necessities, both India and the Maldives are employing pragmatism, emphasis on quality, and non-partisanship to shape the course of the relationship”.[2]
Way Forward
India and the Maldives marked 60 years of their diplomatic relations this year. Their relationship is grounded in shared history, geographical proximity, cultural links, and growing strategic cooperation. The island nation of the Maldives is India’s closest neighbour in the Indian Ocean and therefore holds a significant place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Partnership with the Maldives is of significance to India essentially because of the island nation’s geographical positioning in the IOR. It is located along major Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC) from where the majority of India’s exports and imports transit. Similarly, economic support provided by India in some of the key projects of the island is also highly valued by the Maldives.
Despite the distance in the last few years, high-level visits from both sides have continued, along with cooperation in the defence and maritime sectors. The two sides also adopted a joint vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ during the State Visit of the President of the Maldives to India in October 2024.[3] The PM’s recent visit again signals a renewed commitment from both nations to strengthen their existing ties and explore new avenues of partnership.
The Indian Ocean further remains a key connector between India and the Maldives. They are not only close neighbours but also partners in the Global South, thus sharing a similar vision for peace, security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. Climate, maritime security, trade, infrastructure and tourism are some of the domains amongst many others where the two sides can actively collaborate to yield mutual benefits. This would further promote and reflect India’s vision of MAHASAGAR.
References:
- [1] Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs. “Prime Minister meets the President of the Maldives (July 25, 2025).” Press Release, Media Centre. July 25, 2025.https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/39874/Prime_Minister_meets_the_President_of_Maldives_July_2 5_2025
- [2] Shivamurthy, Aditya. “The Modi‑Muizzu Playbook for Changing India‑Maldives Relations.” Observer Research Foundation (Expert Speak). https://www.orfonline.org/english/expert-speak/the-modi-muizzu-playbook-for-changing-india‑maldives‑relations
- [3] Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. “Prime Minister Meets the President of Maldives (July 25, 2025).” MEA India, July 25, 2025. https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/39874/Prime_Minister_meets_the_President_of_Maldives_July_2 5_2025.
Faareha is a final-year Ph.D. scholar researching India’s Act East Policy, with a keen interest in the Indo-Pacific region and India’s maritime relations with its neighbours. She has previously interned at the Indian Council of World Affairs, a think tank under the MEA, and has worked as a Subject Matter Expert and Script Writer in Social Sciences.
Yashwanth A S 
Aayush Pal 
Pritam Sarbabidya