India-Maldives Ties: Modi Urges Cooperation, Muizzu Calls India a Key Partner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the guest of honour on Saturday, marking the reset in bilateral ties between the two countries. Maldives President Mohamad Muizzu said that the visit was “defining” and “sets a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations”.

Modi left for India in the evening of July 26. Earlier on Saturday, Muizzi and Modi visited the iconic Republic Square, famous for being the centre of independence celebrations at the Maldivian capital. Both witnessed the over 50-minute event of the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives while seated beside each other. 

“This is the first time that an Indian Prime Minister is attending the Independence Day celebrations in Maldives. Prime Minister Modi is also the first foreign leader at the level of head of state or government to be hosted by President Muizzu,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. Yesterday’s events included  a military parade and cultural performances by children and traditional artists.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also attended the event. “The productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations.” Modi said in a post on X, as he left for India.

“India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a long history of cultural and economic exchanges,” Modi posted. “Our relationship continues to grow, shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors. India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet,” he said.

Meanwhile, Muizzu, while speaking to reporters said, “India is one of the major countries that helps the Maldives with tourism. With PM Modi’s visit, it is going to increase a lot. I am sure that this visit will boost people-to-people exchange between the two countries.”

The Modi-Muizzu meet is especially significant since the recent bilateral ties between the two countries were marked by tension. Muizzu, who is close to China, came to power in November 2023 as his “India Out” campaign went on strong, The Indian Express reported. 

The nation island President’s policies after assuming power included the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, within hours of taking oath. However, India’s sustained efforts, including helping Maldives with economic woes, helped bring the relations back on track.

“PM Narendra Modi interacted with leaders of various political parties in Male today. He conveyed his warm wishes on the occasion of the Independence Day of Maldives. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment for a stronger India-Maldives relationship, building upon the vibrant people to people ties and the shared values between the two democracies. The Maldivian leaders thanked the PM for India’s continued support on developmental assistance for the welfare of the Maldivian people,” the Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

On July 25, Modi announced a Rs 4,850 crore line of credit to Maldives, while saying that India is proud to be the “most trusted” friend of the Maldives. India further declared the reduction of Maldives’ annual debt repayment obligations by 40 per cent (from $51 million to $29 million) and the launch of talks on a Free Trade Agreement, PTI reported.

On July 26, Modi also met Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the Maldivian Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla and former President Mohamed Nasheed.