Modi to meet MDP leaders on Maldives visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet with leaders of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) during his visit to the Maldives on Friday, marking his first visit to the country under the current administration.

Modi is visiting at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to take part in events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Maldives' independence and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.

MDP Chairman Fayyaz Ismail confirmed to Atoll Times that the Prime Minister will hold meetings with opposition leaders, including former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Modi had also requested to meet former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. However, Solih is currently not in the Maldives and therefore will not be able to attend the meeting.

The MDP has traditionally maintained strong ties with India. Several development projects during Solih’s administration were funded through Indian loans and grants.

Modi previously visited the Maldives twice during the previous government:

Bilateral relations between India and the Maldives experienced strain during the early period of the current administration, which had, while in opposition, led the ‘India Out’ campaign calling for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

However, the current government has since taken steps to improve diplomatic ties. India continues to provide financial and technical assistance to the Maldives as the country prepares to meet a significant portion of its foreign debt obligations next year.

This visit marks Modi’s first official engagement with the new government since it took office.