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News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
From Trust To Tensions To Reset: How India-Maldives Ties Came Full Circle
Curated By : Last Updated: July 25, 2025, 12:22 IST PM Modi landed in Maldives on Friday (Credits: X/PM Modi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Malé for a two-day state visit, where he will be the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. The visit marks a pivotal moment in India-Maldives relations, one that reflects a recalibration after a period of strain marked by political rhetoric, military friction, and shifting geopolitical priorities. The Maldives, an archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean comprising nearly 1,200 islands, holds strategic value for India due to its location along vital international sea lanes. It also plays a key role in India's maritime security framework and regional outreach under the Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiatives. Just over a year ago, such a visit was almost unthinkable. The Maldives had voted in a president on the back of a sharp 'India Out" campaign, bilateral ties were at a historic low, and India's strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean island chain looked threatened by growing Chinese influence. But behind the scenes, India worked with quiet patience and clear priorities. The result is now on display: a recalibrated relationship rooted in realism, layered with economic cooperation, and shaped by mutual strategic understanding. This is the story of how India-Maldives ties weathered turbulence and found a pragmatic reset. The Early Years: A Relationship Built On Trust And Proximity India and the Maldives have historically enjoyed deep-rooted ties built on geography, cultural closeness, and crisis-time cooperation. Just 70 nautical miles separate the southernmost Indian islands from northern Maldives, making the archipelago critical to India's southern maritime defence. Over decades, India's assistance has come in the form of medical missions, training, infrastructure, and emergency relief. One of the most significant early interventions came in 1988, during Operation Cactus, when Indian troops flew into Malé within hours to foil a coup attempt, reinforcing New Delhi's role as the Maldives' security guarantor. More recently, during the Covid-19 pandemic, India provided vaccines and medical supplies as part of its Vaccine Maitri programme. India is also one of the Maldives' largest trading partners, a major source of tourists, and a key provider of concessional credit and development aid. It has funded dozens of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), ranging from health clinics and ferry terminals to housing units and digital infrastructure. The Slide: How 'India Out' Became Official Policy But the political landscape shifted sharply in 2023. When Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November that year, he did so on the back of a populist and explicitly anti-India plank. His campaign's rallying cry, 'India Out", targeted the presence of Indian defence personnel stationed to operate aircraft and radar platforms provided by India. Though deployed under bilateral defence cooperation agreements, these personnel were portrayed as symbols of excessive foreign influence. The campaign struck a nationalist chord in Maldivian politics, especially among younger voters. Muizzu's victory marked a break from the traditionally India-aligned Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), raising concerns in New Delhi about a tilt toward China. Muizzu broke with precedent by visiting Turkey and China before India. In early interactions, he demanded the removal of Indian troops, publicly accused India of being a 'bully," and allowed derogatory remarks against PM Modi by Maldivian officials to go unchallenged. In January 2024, this hostility peaked when three ministers made disparaging personal attacks against PM Modi on social media, triggering a widespread Indian backlash and even calls to boycott Maldivian tourism. China, meanwhile, seized the opportunity, extending loans, initiating new infrastructure ventures, and showcasing Muizzu in Beijing as a strategic ally. The optics were grim, the rhetoric polarising, and the fallout, nearly terminal. India's Diplomatic Approach: Engagement Over Escalation Despite the provocations, India opted for engagement over escalation. Rather than respond with counter-rhetoric or curtail ties, it took a long view of the relationship. When Muizzu took office, India sent a Cabinet minister—not a junior delegate—to attend his swearing-in. PM Modi met Muizzu on the sidelines of COP28 in December 2023, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar followed up with a 'frank conversation" at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in January 2024. India's response was shaped by an understanding of Maldivian domestic compulsions. When Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, India agreed, but replaced the 76 defence staff with trained civilian technicians in May 2024, thus maintaining functional continuity in aviation and surveillance operations. India also upped its economic engagement. It increased development assistance to Rs 600 crore, raised trade quotas, and accelerated work on key infrastructure, without any fanfare. By May 2024, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer was in New Delhi, seeking support and signalling readiness to restore ties. The Reset: Economy, Development And A Vision Document From that point, relations began to thaw. In October 2024, President Muizzu visited India for a five-day state visit, during which both countries adopted the landmark 'Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership." The agreement set the tone for cooperation across seven sectors, from defence and development to digital and political exchange. India followed this up with strong financial backing: Rolled over three Treasury Bills worth $150 million Offered a currency swap of $750 million Approved a new Rs 30 billion line of credit under the SAARC framework Former President Mohamed Nasheed, a longtime India ally, said India's support had helped the Maldives avoid a sovereign default. At the time, the Maldives' debt-to-GDP ratio had exceeded 110 per cent, with foreign exchange reserves dangerously low. The optics of the reset were powerful. India was stepping in not just as a neighbour, but as a stabilising partner. Projects And Priorities: Quality Over Quantity Under Muizzu, the focus shifted from announcing new projects to accelerating existing ones. While no new Indian projects were signed in 2024, many were expedited: The Hanimaadhoo International Airport, funded by India and executed by Kalpatharu Projects, is set to be operational by September 2025. It will feature a 2.7 km runway, a modern terminal, and facilities to handle 1.3 million passengers annually. The Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), India's largest infrastructure initiative in the Maldives, remains on track for completion by late 2026. Other efforts, including the Addu Airport, housing initiatives, and ferry network expansions under the HICDP framework, have resumed after earlier delays. To keep development on course, India and the Maldives institutionalised High-Level Core Group Meetings (HLCGMs). These have helped troubleshoot diplomatic irritants and monitor implementation, starting with the troop replacement agreement and now tasked with advancing the Vision document. Strategic Anchors: Defence And The Indian Ocean Despite earlier calls for troop withdrawal, the Muizzu government has continued security cooperation with India, albeit with revised optics. Indian aviation assets remain operational with technical crews. Defence training, platform support, and infrastructure projects are ongoing. India also continues to assist in maritime surveillance, coastal radar deployment, and naval training, all part of its longer-term Indian Ocean security doctrine. In May 2025, the two nations conducted joint disaster relief drills, reinforcing shared regional responsibilities under the MAHASAGAR vision. Given the Maldives' strategic location along major sea lanes, its stability and alignment remain central to India's maritime strategy. For Muizzu too, the benefits of cooperation appear clearer after a year of attempted diversification. Beyond Politics A noteworthy shift has been the de-hyphenation of domestic politics from foreign policy. Historically, the MDP maintained closer ties with India, while Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) leaned toward China. But 2024–25 has seen a more pragmatic approach from the PNC. During Muizzu's India visit, he met BJP President JP Nadda to bolster party-to-party ties. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, meanwhile, met Maldivian opposition leaders, neither side politicised the interactions. India's approach has remained institution-focused. As long as democratic processes are respected and security redlines maintained, New Delhi has demonstrated readiness to work with any elected government. Significance Of PM Modi's Visit To Maldives PM Modi's visit now is symbolically and strategically loaded: He becomes the first Indian PM to visit the Maldives under a non-MDP administration. The visit coincides with 60 years of India–Maldives diplomatic ties, established in 1965. Modi is being hosted as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' most important national event, highlighting the personal and political weight both sides attach to the partnership. For Modi, the visit reaffirms India's leadership in the Indian Ocean as a steady, generous, and reliable regional actor. For Muizzu, it marks a domestic political win—showcasing sovereignty, but also the ability to engage productively with India. Regional Implications And Lessons The trajectory of India-Maldives ties over the past 18 months offers a clear illustration of how regional diplomacy in South Asia is shaped by domestic politics, but ultimately guided by strategic priorities. While anti-India rhetoric may yield short-term electoral gains, the demands of governance often require course correction. India's response, marked by strategic patience, development financing, and restrained diplomacy, helped prevent a rupture and brought the relationship back from the brink. Swipe Left For Next Video View all As Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri put it, 'There will always be events that will impact or try to intrude on the relationship. But I think this is testimony to the kind of attention that has been paid to the relationship, including attention at the highest levels… We've continued to work at it, and I think the result is there for you to see." That result is now on display in Malé: a diplomatic relationship once under pressure, now back on a path of mutual respect, strategic alignment, and renewed momentum. Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... Read More Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar... 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United News of India
5 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
PM Modi arrives in Male, receives warm welcome by President Muizzu
Male, July 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Malé where he was warmly received by President Mohamed Muizzu along with the country's foreign, defence, finance, and homeland security Ministers. He will be the guest of honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, which also mark six decades of diplomatic ties between the two nations. PM Modi's visit marks the second leg of his two-nation tour, following his high-level diplomatic engagements in the United Kingdom. PM Modi's two-day state visit to the Maldives is being seen as a significant step towards a diplomatic reset between India and the Maldives, especially following a period of strained ties after President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. The trip also holds special symbolic value, as the Prime Minister will be the guest of honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations in the capital, Malé, on July 26. This is the first high-level visit by an Indian leader since Muizzu's election and also the first state visit being hosted by the new Maldivian president. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, 'The Maldives is a close and important partner under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the MAHASAGAR vision — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.' During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Muizzu, focusing on key areas such as strategic cooperation, economic engagement, and maritime security. The two sides will also review the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which was finalised last year and now serves as the cornerstone of their bilateral relationship. India's High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, stated that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the visit. 'There will be bilateral meetings between the Prime Minister and the President, followed by the signing of various MoUs and the inauguration or handover of Indian-supported development projects, whether funded through lines of credit, buyer's credit, or grants,' he said. UNI AAB PRS
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
PM Modi in Maldives: Visit signals reset in ties; what's on the agenda?
PM Modi. NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the Maldives on Thursday night, wrapping up the UK leg of his two-nation tour. He will be on a state visit to the island nation from July 25-26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. During the visit, PM Modi will attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honour, a moment that also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. 'A landmark visit to the UK concludes, elevating India-UK trade and economic ties to new heights. PM Narendra Modi emplanes for the second leg of his tour — Maldives,' the ministry of external affairs posted on X. What is on agenda? G Balasubramanian, India's high commissioner to the Maldives, underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, describing the Maldives as a key partner in India's Neighbourhood First policy and its MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and growth. During the visit, PM Modi will meet President Muizzu and inaugurate several India-assisted development projects. Multiple MoUs are also expected to be signed during the trip, which is seen as significant in resetting ties that had strained after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took office in November 2023. The India-Maldives joint vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,' finalised last year, has become a guiding framework for bilateral relations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is this legal? Access all TV channels without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo UK visit Earlier, during his UK visit from July 23-24, PM Modi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, where the two leaders welcomed the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), taking the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level. Modi also met King Charles III at Sandringham Estate to discuss bilateral progress.
Mint
9 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
PM Modi's Maldives visit from today: Full itinerary, key agendas here
Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the Maldives from the UK on Thursday, after concluding the first leg of his two-nation visit. The prime minister is on a two-day state visit to the island nation from today at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. he inaModi will arrive at Velana International Airport of the Maldives at around 9.40 AM IST. During his visit, the Prime Minister will be the guest of honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives on 26 July. "The prime minister's state visit also happens to be the first state visit of a head of government that President Muizzu is hosting in his presidency since he assumed the office in November 2023," Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said earlier this week. The Maldives is a very close partner in our neighbourhood, a very important partner in India's Neighbourhood First policy, and as part of the MAHASAGAR vision of India, which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions, he added. Misri also mentioned the India-Maldives joint vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' that was finalised last year. "This joint vision, in a sense, has become the guiding framework for our ties," he said. The external affairs ministry said Modi will also meet with President Muizzu and inaugurate several India-assisted development projects in the island nation. G Balasubramanian, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, told news agencies that various MOUs will be signed between India and the Maldives during PM Modi's trip. The prime minister's visit to the Maldives is seen as important as it marks a significant reset of bilateral ties that had come under severe strain after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, became president in November 2023. Misri attributed the turnaround in the relationship to India working hard on the ties with the island nation. Earlier during his visit to the UK from July 23 to July 24, Prime Minister Modi met with his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, at Chequers, the country residence of the Prime Minister. The two PMs also welcomed the signing of the landmark India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which raised the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level. Following his meeting with Starmer, the Prime Minister met with King Charles III at Sandringham Estate in England and discussed bilateral issues and progress between the two nations. He also presented a sapling to the King to be planted in Sandringham Estate in autumn as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, the MEA stated. -Arrives at Velana International Airport at around 9.40 AM IST. -Reaches Republic Square for the official welcome ceremony at around 3 PM IST. -Meeting with Mohamed Muizzu, President of The Maldives after the welcome -Delegation-level talks follow. -Exchange of MoUs and virtual inauguration of projects at around 5 PM IST -Press Statements will be issued after the inauguration. The Maldives is a very close partner in our neighbourhood, a very important partner in India's Neighbourhood First policy. -PM Modi will also attend a banquet hosted by Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives later in the day.
Mint
18 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
First visuals! PM Modi meets King Charles at Sandringham House hours after India-UK ink FTA
After holding wide-range discussions with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer and inking a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met King Charles in Norfolk. King Charles received PM Modi at the Sandringham House in Norfolk, England. 'During their time together, His Majesty was given a tree to be planted this Autumn, inspired by the environmental initiative launched by the Prime Minister, 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', which encourages people to plant a tree in tribute to their mothers,' the Royal Family said in a post on X. PM Narendra Modi kicked off his two-day visit to the UK on Wednesday (local time) to expand bilateral ties in defence, trade, and technology. PM Modi and his UK counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday endorsed the new 'India-UK Vision 2035' which will steer the bilateral ties for the next 10 years with a focused and time-bound programme of action in key pillars such as economy and growth, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate action and education. India signed a free trade agreement, officially dubbed as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), with the UK – its 16th trade pact so far – as the country aims to boost bilateral trade and investments. The deal was signed by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his British counterpart Jonathan Reynold in the presence of PM Modi and Starmer. The FTA is expected to benefit 99 per cent Indian exports from tariff and will make it easier for British firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India, besides boosting the overall trade basket, according to Indian officials. The deal, firmed up after three years of negotiations, is expected to ensure comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors and India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99 per cent of tariff lines (product categories) covering almost 100 per cent of the trade values, they said. From London, Modi will travel to the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu in what is being seen as a breakthrough in the ties between the two countries following a spell of frostiness under Muizzu. During his July 25-26 trip to the Maldives, Modi will hold extensive talks with President Muizzu and inaugurate several India-assisted development projects in the island nation. The prime minister will also be the guest of honour at the Maldivian Independence Day celebrations on July 26. "The prime minister's state visit also happens to be the first state visit of a head of government that President Muizzu is hosting in his presidency since he assumed the office in November 2023," Vikram Misri, foreign secretary, said. 'The Maldives is a very close partner in our neighbourhood, a very important partner in India's Neighbourhood First policy, and as part of the MAHASAGAR vision of India, which is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,' he added. Misri also mentioned the India-Maldives joint vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' that was finalised last year. 'This joint vision, in a sense, has become the guiding framework for our ties,' he said.
