PM Modi Visit Maldives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leaving on an important visit to Britain and Maldives today. This visit will not only strengthen India's global strategic position, but will also give a diplomatic message in the Maldives, which will be remembered as Mission Maldives. The special thing is that PM Modi will be the first foreign leader to visit the state during the tenure of President Mohammed Muizzu. Along with this, he will also attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the chief guest.
India-Maldives Relations: A New BeginningThe friendship between Maldives and India is one of the most important strategic partnerships in South Asia. However, two years ago, a period of sourness started in this relationship. Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu gave the slogan 'India Out' to gain power. At that time experts believed that India had lost its closest maritime partner. Many people were considering it a setback for India, while some were worried about the future of the partnership. But PM Modi's skillful diplomacy and soft diplomacy not only proved this perception wrong, but also made the new leadership of Maldives realize the importance and trust of India. President Muizzu also realized that India is not only more trustworthy than China, but also a true ally in times of crisis.
How did India change the equation?India gave a new dimension to relations with Maldives through its strategic policies and cooperation.
Some of the major steps are as follows:Economic assistance: In 2024, India provided economic assistance of $ 400 million and a currency swap facility of Rs 3,000 crore to Maldives.
Defense cooperation: India maintained the services of naval equipment, training, and aircraft, which increased the security capabilities of Maldives.
Contribution to development: In 2025, India expanded the ferry service in Maldives with the assistance of MVR 100 million.
Political Dialogue: High-Level Core Group (HLCG) meetings were held in New Delhi and Male in January and May 2025, which strengthened the dialogue between the two countries.
PM Modi's third visit to MaldivesThis is PM Modi's third visit to Maldives. Earlier, he visited Maldives in 2018 for President Solih's swearing-in ceremony and in 2019 on a bilateral visit. This time, at the invitation of President Muizzu, he will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives as the chief guest. This invitation symbolizes that the relationship between India and Maldives is now stronger than ever.
New chapter in India-Maldives relationsPresident Muizzu invited PM Modi as the first foreign head of state during his tenure, reflecting the growing trust between the two countries. The Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership was announced during Muizzu's visit to India in October 2024. In addition, 13 new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the two countries, including the announcement of expansion of ferry services in early 2025. Maldives has considered India as its most trusted partner for defense and maritime cooperation. Last year, trade between the two countries was more than $ 548 million, which reflects the economic strength of this partnership.
Why is PM Modi's visit important?- Stability in relations: This visit symbolizes the restoration of stability and trust in India-Maldives relations.
- Strategic victory: President Muizzu's invitation to PM Modi as the chief guest is a diplomatic victory for India.
- Message to China: This visit sends a message to China about India's effective and decisive diplomacy in South Asia.
The script of diplomatic victory written quietlyMission Maldives is not just a visit, but a strategic dialogue, in which India brought Maldives back to its strategic periphery without any noise. This visit of Prime Minister Modi confirms that India remains the diplomatic axis of South Asia and this axis is moving with full confidence.