Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the importance of maintaining a close relationship between their countries during their bilateral meeting today, Monday. Both leaders highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and the Maldives, expressing confidence that the two nations will continue to collaborate on future projects.
Prime Minister Modi stated that India has always stood by the Maldives, whether for economic or medical needs, and was among the first to provide assistance, such as supplying vaccines to the Maldives' 600,000 citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. Modi assured that India would continue to play this supportive role.
He further noted that the Maldives has always been a close friend of India and holds a critical position in maintaining security in the Indian Ocean region. The Maldives' cooperation is essential in implementing India's "Neighborhood First" policy and the "SAGAR" (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, Modi added.
Following their bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, President Muizzu also acknowledged India as a valuable friend. He expressed gratitude for India’s ongoing support in various areas, including socioeconomic development and infrastructure projects. Muizzu thanked Prime Minister Modi for India's assistance in the Maldives' overall progress.
President Muizzu arrived in Delhi on Sunday, accompanied by his wife, for a five-day state visit. On the same day, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with Muizzu, and they held a round of discussions. On Monday morning, Muizzu paid respects at the Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, before receiving an official welcome at the Presidential Palace. Several agreements were signed between the two countries to expand cooperation after the bilateral meeting.
Muizzu was elected president last year, with an election campaign that was notably anti-India, using the slogan "India Out." Known for his pro-China stance, Muizzu made his first official foreign visits to Turkey and China rather than India after his election. Shortly after his victory, he set a deadline for the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, which India complied with. However, Muizzu has since worked towards normalizing relations.
Muizzu attended Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony for his third term, and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also visited India. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar traveled to the Maldives in August, signaling a thaw in relations that had begun even before Muizzu’s visit. The bilateral talks and agreements signed during Muizzu's current visit have further helped to ease tensions.
Ahead of the talks, Muizzu expressed his desire to restore normal relations, stating in an interview with a leading Indian daily that "India has always been a long-standing friend of the Maldives, and mutual cooperation is the foundation of this relationship." He emphasized that while the Maldives has ties with many other countries, it always ensures that none of its actions harm India's interests.
On Monday, Modi and Muizzu inaugurated the new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Maldives. Modi also mentioned that the Greater Male Connectivity Project will enhance internal connectivity in the Maldives, and India will assist in constructing a new commercial port at Thilafushi. Additionally, 700 homes, built with India's help, were officially handed over to the Maldives. Both leaders announced that discussions on a free trade agreement between the two nations would soon begin.
On the same day, Modi and Muizzu launched the RuPay card in the Maldives and signed a $400 million currency swap agreement to boost the Maldivian economy. Muizzu also extended an invitation to Modi to visit the Maldives next year.
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