Indian MP Modi may make first Maldives visit under Muizzu in July: Report
It is understood that July 26, Maldives' Independence Day, is one of the dates being considered.
India is reportedly giving favourable consideration to an invitation from the Maldives for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the strategically important Indian Ocean nation in July.
According to a Times of India report, this development follows a strong reiteration of President Mohamed Muizzu's 2024 invitation to Modi by Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel during his visit to India last week.
While details about the visit's programme or agenda are still in the early stages, it is understood that July 26, Maldives' Independence Day, is one of the dates being considered. If the visit materialises, it would mark Modi's first trip to the Maldives since President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
Khaleel's visit to India last week was his third this year. This comes amidst concerns in India and the West regarding Maldives' growing relationship with China.
During his visit, Khaleel and his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, reviewed bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including development partnerships, defense and security, and trade and investment.
Following their meeting, Jaishankar affirmed India's continued commitment to the Maldives' progress and development. He also expressed gratitude for the Maldives' solidarity with India on the issue of terrorism.
President Muizzu has consistently maintained that the Maldives will not take any actions that could jeopardise India's security interests. He has stated that his decision to request the withdrawal of Indian military personnel was based on the Maldivian people's desire for independence and non-interference in internal affairs.
In a recent interview with Ceylon Today, President Muizzu emphasised that the Maldives would not permit its geographical location to be exploited by any nation for actions that could undermine peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, asserting, "Our approach will always be for regional peace and sovereignty, and fair diplomacy with everyone."
India views the Maldives as a crucial maritime neighbour and a significant partner under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its 'Vision Mahasagar' (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, the recent diplomatic engagements aim to bolster the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two nations.
As outlined in a joint statement by Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu following the latter's visit to India in October 2024, this partnership is envisioned to be people-centric, future-oriented, and serve as an anchor of stability in the Indian Ocean region. A key outcome of that visit was the significant decision to initiate discussions on a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement, with a focus on trade in goods and services between India and the Maldives.
