From ‘India out' to ‘21-gun salute' for PM Modi: Downs and ups of India-Maldives ties
All these grand gestures point to the turnaround of diplomatic ties between the two countries, because Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu was not so welcoming of India when he was elected to the office in 2023.
Also read: 'As ancient as history, as deep as ocean': PM Modi on India-Maldives relations
He came to power on the back of an 'India Out' campaign in late 2023. Later, he sought to get close to China. Later, some members of his government made disrespectful remarks against India and Modi. That snowballed into Indians boycotting Maldives, otherwise a very popular travel destination. They cancelled bookings in Maldives and made calls to choose Indian islands such as Lakshadweep for tourism. Indian troops were also asked to leave the island country.
Also read: 'Our friendship will remain bright and clear': PM Modi in Maldives
However, things again changed when both the countries decided to make a reconciliation and restart diplomatic dialogue in 2024.
Here is a timeline of how India-Maldives diplomatic ties turned around since 2023-
November 2023: Mohamed Muizzu elected as Maldivian President with his 'India Out' campaign. He makes his first foreign visit to Turkey in December 2023, breaking the tradition of the new Maldivian Presidents visiting India first after taking office.
December 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Mohamed Muizzu on December 1, 2023, on the sidelines of COP-28 Summit in the UAE and congratulates him on his assumption of office.
January 2024: Mohamed Muizzu visits China, in a show to reduce dependency on India. Three deputy ministers of Muizzu's cabinet also made derogatory remarks about Modi and India and were suspended by the Maldives government. However, their remarks sparked backlash in India and led to a boycott campaign, causing a sharp decline in Indian tourist arrivals.
January 2024: India-Maldives ties took a hit after PM Modi visited Lakshadweep, a trip that three Maldivian lawmakers had mocked.
May 2024: India withdraws its troops from Maldives, which were replaced with civilian technical personnel from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to operate aviation platforms gifted by India. The troops were withdrawn by May 10, 2024 - the deadline set by Maldives. During this time, on May 9, 2024, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India and met his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.
June 2024: Mohamed Muizzu attends Modi's oath ceremony on June 9 in New Delhi as he became India's Prime Minister for the third time.
August 2024: Foreign minister S Jaishankar makes an official visit to Maldivian capital Male from August 9-11, 2024. During this visit, Muizzu appreciated India's continued developmental assistance provided to Maldives. The two countries also enhanced bilateral and defence ties and several MOUs were signed.
October 2024: Mohamed Muizzu comes to India on his first bilateral visit from October 6-10 and receives a ceremonial welcome by President Droupadi Murmu and Modi. The two countries boost economic ties with the inauguration of a new runway in Maldives' Hanimadhoo International Airport, built under an airport redevelopment project assisted by India, and the official launch of the RuPay card in Maldives. India also agrees to provide financial support of more than ₹6,300 crore to the Maldives to tide over a foreign exchange crisis
July 2025: Modi visits Maldives is the first foreign leader to be hosted by Mohamed Muizzu's government since his election in 2023. He said that India is Maldives' closest neighbour and lauded the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
29 minutes ago
- India.com
Meet Rudra Brigade and Bhairav Battalion: Indian Army's deadly battle units which will destroy Pakistan, China
Indian army- Representative AI image Indian army update: In a significant development for the Indian Armed Forces and a matter of bad news for China, the Indian Army has converted two of its infantry brigades into Rudra Brigades, both currently deployed along the border. It has been reported that although the validation of brigades is underway, the process has already began and it was accelerated after India's Operation Sindoor against the terror locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Notably, these brigades are part of a new structural reform in the Army. Why are Rudra brigades dangerous? As per the recent update, the Indian Army has converted two of its infantry brigades, which are deployed on the border, into Rudra brigades. Readers should note that these brigades include components such as infantry, mechanized infantry, tanks, artillery units, special forces and unmanned aerial systems. Update on Bhairav Light Commando Battalion Rudra Brigades are all-arms formations combining infantry, mechanized units, tanks, artillery, special forces, and unmanned aerial systems, with dedicated logistics and combat support. As per a statement by the Army Chief, a lethal Special Forces unit named Bhairav Light Commando Battalion has also been formed. Indian Army commemorates 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas In a significant update for the nation, the Indian Army marked the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas with solemn ceremonies and nationwide tributes to honour the valour of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War. As per a report covered by ANI news agency, the central event was held at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, attended by Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta, and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi. Families of martyrs, gallantry awardees, and senior military officials also paid tribute to the 545 bravehearts. (With inputs from agencies)
The Hindu
29 minutes ago
- The Hindu
India issues advisory for citizens in Cambodia amidst border clashes
India on Saturday (July 26, 2025) advised its citizens in Cambodia to avoid travelling to border areas as the clash between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border entered its third day. The flare-up, which began on Thursday (July 24, 2025), has killed at least 32 people – 19 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia – according to reports. 'In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas,' the Indian embassy here said in an X post. Indian citizens have been urged to contact the mission in case of any emergency at +855 92881676 or email On Friday (July 25, 2025), India issued a similar advisory to its citizens in Thailand, asking them to exercise caution and avoid travelling to seven provinces of the country.
The Hindu
29 minutes ago
- The Hindu
TNCC to recognise people who worked for marginalised people
TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai on Saturday said that Tamil Nadu Congress Charitable trust will recognise people who have dedicated their lives for the upliftment of marginalised people, society and the country with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony will take place on former Congress president and Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary on August 20. Making the announcement, he said that the awardees will be selected based on recommendation by a committee. 'The jury will be headed by former High Court Chief justice, Manikumar, and Dr. Sowmya Swaminathan and news anchor M. Gunasekaran will be part of the jury. 'To support their efforts, I will act as the president of the committee along with Congress leader, K. Krishnasamy, K.V. Thangkabalu, Thirunavukkarasar, former TNCC president, K.S. Alagiri, Sudarsana Nachiappan, Congress Legislative Party leader, Rajesh Kumar, will be deputy president of the committee. The awardees will be given a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh,' said Mr. Selvaperunthagai. There will be a total of seven awards given in the name of tallest Indian leaders - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, K. Kamaraj, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. 'We have planned to invite Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for the awards ceremony,' he said. Protest against PM Furthermore, Mr. Selvaperunthagai said that TNCC cadre will protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by showing black flags in every district he visits in Tamil Nadu. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi is refusing to release the funds meant for the school education department. He is consistently acting in a way that goes against the welfare of the State. In protest, black flags will be shown in respective districts by district congress committees,' he said.
