First foreign leader to visit President Muizzu, PM Modi signals renewed cooperation with $565 million credit line, airport project.
In a landmark diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held formal bilateral talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé on Friday evening, marking a significant step toward mending strained ties. This visit comes right after Modi’s historic trip to the UK, and notably, he becomes the first foreign leader to meet Muizzu since the latter assumed office in 2023 on an ‘India Out’ political campaign.
Modi’s two-day visit is packed with both symbolic and strategic milestones. India is set to extend a $565 million line of credit to the Maldives, while discussions on launching a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations are also on the table.
On Saturday, Modi will take part in the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence from Britain — an event underscoring the growing diplomatic warmth between the two neighbours.
Strategic Reset: From ‘India Out’ to Re-engagement
Muizzu’s ascent to power was marked by his strong rhetoric of shifting away from Maldives’ traditional ‘India First’ foreign policy, instead leaning towards Beijing. Relations hit a rough patch early in his tenure, as India watched Maldives deepen its strategic and economic ties with China.
However, India’s timely intervention to help prevent the Maldives’ $7.5-billion economy from tipping into default played a critical role in changing the narrative. As India stepped up to extend financial support, the thaw in relations gained momentum.
Muizzu’s reciprocal visit to India in October last year, followed by this latest visit by Modi, reflects a recalibration in regional diplomacy. Both India and China are Maldives’ largest creditors, but New Delhi’s steady diplomacy seems to have brought Male back into closer alignment.
“India is Back”: Maldives Re-engages
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing ahead of the trip, described Maldives as a “very important partner” in India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policy framework.
“There will always be events that try to intrude on the relationship, but the sustained engagement — including at the highest levels — shows our commitment,” Misri said.
Former Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid acknowledged the shift in tone, saying Modi’s visit suggests President Muizzu has “decided to step back and correct the narrative.”
One of the key moments of the visit will be the remote inauguration of the India-funded expansion of the Hanimadhoo International Airport, a crucial infrastructure project expected to boost connectivity and tourism in the region.
