Modi reaffirms India’s continued support to Maldives

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the Maldives during his state visit to Malé, stating that India will continue to assist its neighbour in areas including emergency response, essential supplies, and economic management.

Speaking after official talks with Maldivian leaders on Friday, Prime Minister Modi said, “India will always be with Maldives. Whether it is first responding to emergencies, providing essential food items, or helping to manage the economy, India will always extend assistance to Maldives.”

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strengthening of maritime and economic ties between the two countries, referencing an agreement signed during President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to India in October.

“India’s policy is to give priority to friendly countries. The agreement signed in October to strengthen economic and maritime ties is now being implemented,” he said.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated a new Coast Guard building in Malé, constructed with assistance from the Government of India. He said the facility represented cooperation between the two nations and reiterated India’s support for enhancing the operational capacity of the Maldives National Defence Force.

“India will continue to support the development of the Maldivian armed forces. Ensuring regional security and safety is a shared objective,” he said.

This is Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to the Maldives. He previously visited in 2018 and is the first head of state to visit the country under President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.