During his visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the deep historical and strategic ties between the two nations, announcing a ₹4,850 cr credit line and holding wide-ranging talks with President Mohamed Muizzu.
Prime Minister Modi underlined the enduring bond shared by India and the Maldives, remarking that “the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the ocean”.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu described India as the Maldives’ most trusted development partner, signalling a notable positive shift in bilateral relations.
PM Modi and President Muizzu held comprehensive discussions aimed at boosting cooperation in crucial sectors such as trade, defence and maritime security.
“India will continue to support the Maldives in the development of its defence capabilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,” Modi said, emphasising that the Maldives occupies an “important place” in both India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its Mahasagar (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
“India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood by as a ‘first responder’. India will continue to support the Maldives in the development of its defence capabilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,” he added.
The meeting marked a significant turnaround in relations, which had witnessed strains after Muizzu assumed power in November 2023 following his “India Out” campaign.
PM Modi, however, maintained that the India-Maldives friendship will always “remain bright and clear” regardless of circumstances.
Describing the discussions as “productive”, President Muizzu said the talks focused on advancing the Maldives-India development partnership in key areas of shared interest and strengthening the age-old people-to-people connections that underpin their neighbourly ties.
“India has long stood as the Maldives’s closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens,” Muizzu said.
President Muizzu also congratulated Prime Minister Modi for completing 4,078 consecutive days in office, making him the second-longest-serving Indian Prime Minister for consecutive terms, surpassing the record previously held by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
“This remarkable milestone, 4,078 consecutive days in office, is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people,” Muizzu added.
India Offers ₹4,850 Crore Credit Line
India announced a ₹4,850 crore (USD 565 million) line of credit to the Maldives during Modi’s visit. “This amount will be used for projects related to the development of infrastructure in the Maldives, in accordance with the priorities of the people of the country,” the Prime Minister said.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the agreement signed during the visit would reduce the Maldives’ annual debt repayment to India by 40 per cent.
While China’s growing presence in the region was not directly mentioned, Misri said India continues to work with the Maldives on issues that may “impinge not just our security but the common security of the region.”
Prime Minister Modi confirmed that both sides will soon finalise a bilateral investment treaty and that negotiations for a free trade agreement have already begun.
During the visit, Modi and Muizzu jointly inaugurated multiple India-backed projects, including a new defence ministry building in Malé, roads and drainage systems in Addu City, and 3,300 housing units in Hulhumalé. Modi also handed over 72 vehicles and equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force.
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