India's Modi arrives in Maldives on state visit
During the visit, a series of high-level engagements are scheduled between the two governments.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday following an invitation from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to mark the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Modi’s flight from London landed at Velana International Airport earlier Friday.
During the visit, a series of high-level engagements are scheduled between the two governments. These include the inauguration of development projects such as the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, which has been developed with Indian assistance.
Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed across various sectors to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Additional agreements on aid are also anticipated.
Modi is scheduled to meet leaders of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), including former President Mohamed Nasheed.
President Muizzu had extended the invitation to Modi during his official visit to India in October last year.
This marks Modi’s first official visit to the Maldives under the current administration. He had previously visited the Maldives twice during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih—once in 2018 for the presidential inauguration, and again in 2019, during which he addressed the Parliament in Hindi.
Modi did not attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Muizzu in November 2023 but had sent a representative on his behalf.
Bilateral ties between India and the Maldives had faced challenges during the early months of the current administration, which had campaigned under the ‘India Out’ banner. This included a focus on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and a shift in security cooperation frameworks.
However, the government has since expressed intent to strengthen relations with India. Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel previously stated that the government would not undertake any actions that would negatively impact bilateral relations. He characterised the 'India Out' campaign as a political movement led by former President Abdulla Yameen, who is no longer affiliated with the current administration.
