Solih welcomes Modi’s Maldives visit as signal of strong ties

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives from Friday to Saturday, stating that the visit reflects India’s continued engagement with the Maldives.

In a statement issued Thursday, Solih noted that Modi’s participation in the Independence Day celebrations, amid recent challenges in the bilateral relationship, indicates India’s approach to regional diplomacy and cooperation.

Solih congratulated President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for inviting Prime Minister Modi to the Maldives as a special guest to mark the country’s 60th Independence Day.

Highlighting India as a longstanding and consistent development partner, Solih expressed hope that the visit would contribute to further strengthening ties between the two countries.

“It affirms that, despite political provocations, the Maldives has in India a reliable and time-tested friend,” the statement read.

Solih also recalled India’s support for several development projects through grants and concessional loans during his administration, adding that cooperation continued across multiple sectors.

Prime Minister Modi had previously attended Solih’s presidential inauguration in 2018 and visited the Maldives during Solih’s tenure. India-Maldives relations were marked by frequent high-level engagements during that period.

However, relations between the two countries faced tension during the opposition-led 'India Out' campaign. The current administration has since sought to reaffirm ties with India.

Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has stated that the government would not take any action that may affect bilateral relations. In remarks to Indian media, Khaleel clarified that the 'India Out' campaign was led by former President Abdulla Yameen and did not represent the position of the government.