India has consistently stood at the forefront for the Maldives, stated Prime Minister Modi following discussions with President Muizzu.
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Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has initiated his inaugural visit to India since assuming office last year, with the objective of mending diplomatic relations with Asia’s third-largest economy in the context of an ongoing economic crisis in his home country. Muizzu, who landed in New Delhi on Sunday, is scheduled to engage in discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-ranking Indian officials throughout his five-day visit.

The president’s office issued a statement on Sunday indicating that both parties will concentrate on “enhancing bilateral cooperation and further strengthening the enduring relationship between the two nations.”
Relations became tense after Muizzu requested the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation, labeling New Delhi’s presence as a threat to the country’s sovereignty. In the lead-up to the 2023 elections, Muizzu’s Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) had committed to removing Indian soldiers who were stationed in the country to assist with humanitarian and medical evacuations.
Muizzu’s recent state visits to Turkey and China have been perceived as a slight to New Delhi, marking a departure from the customary practice of Maldivian presidents prioritizing India as their initial destination.
India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar received Muizzu in New Delhi on Sunday. In his statement, he expressed optimism that the upcoming discussions with Modi on Monday would provide “a new impetus” to the “friendly relations” between the two nations.
Anti-India rhetoric toned down
New Delhi withdrew its military personnel in March; however, it maintained its diplomatic channels due to concerns regarding China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean, particularly in neighboring Sri Lanka.
The President of the Maldives was invited to Prime Minister Modi’s inauguration in June, and in August, Foreign Minister Jaishankar made a visit to Male, marking the first high-level meeting between the two nations since Muizzu’s election late last year.
India has invested nearly $1.5 billion in various infrastructure initiatives within the archipelago.
Since assuming office, Muizzu has moderated his previously anti-Indian stance and has expressed his intention not to disturb the regional equilibrium by substituting Indian forces with Chinese troops.
India will continue to provide training to the Maldives’ military, stated Prime Minister Modi, who also received an invitation from Muizzu to visit Malé.
$400 million currency exchange deal with Maldives
In reference to the ongoing Indian projects in the Maldives, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Today, a currency exchange deal worth 400 million US dollars has been signed, tailored to the needs of the Maldives. India and the Maldives will commence discussions on a free trade agreement. We have discussed extensive cooperation for infrastructure development in the Maldives. Today, over 700 social housing units constructed with India’s assistance have been handed over. Projects have been completed on 28 islands concerning water supply and sewage systems. These initiatives will provide access to clean drinking water for 30,000 individuals.”
India has consistently been there to assist the Maldives, stated the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the Maldives holds a significant position in our Neighbourhood First policy and the “Sagar” Vision. India has consistently acted as the first responder for the Maldives, whether it involves meeting the essential commodity needs of the Maldivian people, providing drinking water during natural disasters, or supplying vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. India has always fulfilled its responsibilities as a neighbor.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi mentioned that discussions have been held in detail regarding various aspects of defense and security cooperation. Progress is being made rapidly on the Unity Harbor project. We will continue to support the training and capacity building of the Maldives National Defense Forces. Together, we will work towards stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region, and enhance cooperation in hydrography and disaster response.
In which sectors does the Maldives rely on India?
Maldives gained independence in 1965. Following its independence, India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Maldives. It is well-known that the tourism sector in Maldives heavily relies on Indian tourists, with a significant number of Indian travelers visiting the islands each year.
Defense Sector
In addition to tourism, India has been providing support to Maldives in the defense and security sector since 1988. An agreement was signed in April 2016 to further enhance this cooperation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India supplies 70 percent of the equipment needed for the training requirements of the Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF). Over the past decade, India has trained more than 1,500 MNDF personnel.
Infrastructure Development
India plays a significant role in the infrastructure development of Maldives.