Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Mal where he was warmly received by President Mohamed Muizzu along with the country’s foreign, defence, finance, and homeland security Ministers.
He will be the guest of honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, which also mark six decades of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
PM Modi’s visit marks the second leg of his two-nation tour, following his high-level diplomatic engagements in the United Kingdom.
PM Modi’s two-day state visit to the Maldives is being seen as a significant step towards a diplomatic reset between India and the Maldives, especially following a period of strained ties after President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
The trip also holds special symbolic value, as the Prime Minister will be the guest of honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations in the capital, Mal?, on July 26.
This is the first high-level visit by an Indian leader since Muizzu’s election and also the first state visit being hosted by the new Maldivian president.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “The Maldives is a close and important partner under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the MAHASAGAR vision – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.”
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with President Muizzu, focusing on key areas such as strategic cooperation, economic engagement, and maritime security.
The two sides will also review the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which was finalised last year and now serves as the cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.
India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, stated that several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the visit.
“There will be bilateral meetings between the Prime Minister and the President, followed by the signing of various MoUs and the inauguration or handover of Indian-supported development projects, whether funded through lines of credit, buyer’s credit, or grants,” he said.
