New Delhi/Male: In a significant move to reset bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male on Thursday, marking the first high-level engagement between the two leaders since a diplomatic chill that began with the “India Out” campaign.
This visit is seen as a major step towards reestablishing warmth in relations between the two Indian Ocean neighbours, after a year of tension over the presence of Indian troops in the Maldives and growing Chinese influence in the island nation.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two leaders held extensive discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in infrastructure, development, maritime security, and regional connectivity. “The two sides reiterated their commitment to a strong, mutually respectful partnership based on shared democratic values and regional security interests,” the MEA said.
The meeting comes just months after President Muizzu, who had championed the “India Out” campaign during his 2023 election campaign, asked Indian military personnel to leave the country. India completed the withdrawal of its military staff from the Maldives in May this year, replacing them with civilian technical teams.
However, despite his tough stance, Muizzu’s government has softened its tone in recent months, especially after India extended significant financial support to the Maldives. This includes rolling over debt and maintaining key development assistance lines, reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
President Muizzu warmly welcomed Modi, with the Indian Prime Minister becoming the first foreign leader to be received by him in Male since assuming office. The leaders discussed ongoing development projects funded by India, including the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which is being developed under a $500 million Indian Line of Credit.
India also offered further economic and technical cooperation in the form of capacity-building initiatives, digital services, and tourism development.
Notably, the meeting took place amid China’s rising footprint in the Indian Ocean Region, with the Maldives seen as a key strategic point. Analysts believe Modi’s visit sends a strong message that India remains committed to its “Neighbourhood First” policy, and to countering China’s influence through long-term partnership and trust.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability, including joint efforts in combating climate change and preserving marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.
This is PM Modi’s first official visit to the Maldives during President Muizzu’s tenure and comes after Muizzu attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi last month.
As ties begin to stabilise, the meeting is expected to pave the way for further cooperation in trade, defence, and people-to-people exchanges in the months ahead.
