Male: India has announced a ₹4,850 crore (USD 565 million) line of credit to the Maldives, reaffirming its role as the island nation’s most trusted development partner. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to Male on Friday, where he held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
Addressing the media after the discussions, PM Modi underscored the importance of strengthening ties in trade, defence, and infrastructure, and said both countries are working towards finalising a bilateral investment treaty. Negotiations for a free trade agreement have also commenced.
“The Maldives occupies a key place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and MAHASAGAR visions,” PM Modi said, adding, “India is proud to be the most trusted friend of the Maldives.”
The visit marks a diplomatic reset after months of strain in bilateral relations. President Muizzu, who came to power in November 2023 after campaigning on an “India Out” platform, had earlier demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country. In response, India replaced its personnel with civilians without compromising operational support for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
Despite past tensions, the leaders’ meeting appeared cordial and forward-looking. President Muizzu personally received PM Modi at the Velana International Airport, accompanied by top cabinet ministers—signalling a significant shift in tone.
Later, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at Republic Square, where children performed traditional dances in his honour. “Deeply touched by the warm gesture,” Modi wrote on social media. “I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights in the times to come.”
This is PM Modi’s third visit to the Maldives and the first official visit by any foreign head of state since President Muizzu took office. During his two-day trip, Modi will also attend the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations as Guest of Honour.
In his interactions with the Indian diaspora in Male, PM Modi received an enthusiastic welcome. Chants of Vande Mataram filled the air as children presented him with hand-drawn artworks, one of which he signed. “The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in fostering friendship between our two nations,” he later wrote on X.
At a reception at Kurumba Village Resort, children once again performed traditional dances, celebrating the cultural bond between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called the visit a “comprehensive and multifaceted engagement,” noting the continued high-level exchanges and India’s swift support to the Maldives in times of crisis. He highlighted that the joint vision adopted during President Muizzu’s October 2024 visit to New Delhi laid the groundwork for enhanced maritime and economic cooperation.
The Maldives is among India’s closest maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region. With defence, economic, and cultural cooperation now firmly back on track, PM Modi’s visit is seen as a significant move to reinforce regional stability and reassert India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean.
