PM Modi Enhances India-Maldives Relations During Historic Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a significant two-day state visit to the Maldives on July 26, 2023, aiming to strengthen the longstanding partnership between India and the island nation. During his visit to Male, Modi engaged in high-level discussions with various leaders, underscoring India’s commitment to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which focuses on shared values, developmental cooperation, and regional security.

In a notable meeting with a multi-party delegation from the Maldives, Modi described the bipartisan representation as indicative of the “strong and time-tested friendship” between the two countries. He expressed gratitude for the participation of leaders from diverse political backgrounds, stating, “Had a meaningful meeting with members of different political parties of the Maldives. The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship,” he shared on X.

Among the key figures accompanying Modi were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. A pivotal moment of the visit occurred during a meeting with former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, where Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for the Maldives’ growth through capacity-building initiatives and development projects. He praised Nasheed for consistently advocating a deeper India-Maldives relationship.

Strengthening Parliamentary Ties

Modi further enhanced parliamentary relations by meeting with Speaker of the People’s Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, welcoming the establishment of the India-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 20th Majlis. Modi emphasized India’s ongoing commitment to supporting institutional and human capacity building in the Maldives.

During discussions with Vice President Mohamed Latheef, the Prime Minister highlighted strategic sectors such as infrastructure, technology, energy, and climate change. He reiterated that cooperation in these areas is essential for the welfare of citizens in both nations and expressed optimism about future collaboration.

This visit marked Modi’s third trip to the Maldives following earlier visits in 2018 and 2019. Notably, it was the first visit by a head of government since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November 2023. Several bilateral agreements were signed across various sectors, reinforcing mutual development goals.

Commemorating Diplomatic Milestones

One of the highlights of the visit was the joint release of commemorative stamps by Modi and President Muizzu, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. In a gesture of solidarity, Modi also handed over 3,300 social housing units along with 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force and immigration authorities.

Additionally, Modi and Muizzu inaugurated critical infrastructure projects, including a road and drainage system in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects in various locations throughout the Maldives.

The visit has been perceived as a diplomatic and strategic success, sending a strong message of continuity, cooperation, and mutual respect between India and the Maldives. As the nations look to the future, this partnership is poised to strengthen further, benefiting both countries and their citizens.