PM Modi Arrives In Maldives, Shares Warm Hug With Muizzu; MoUs And Key Deals On Agenda

25th July 2025 at 11:23 AM

1 minute read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Male on Friday to a grand reception by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, along with the country's senior cabinet members, including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and the Minister of Homeland Security.

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Male on Friday to a grand reception by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, along with the country’s senior cabinet members, including the Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and the Minister of Homeland Security. At the invitation of President Muizzu, PM Modi will attend the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on July 26 as the Guest of Honour.

Several major roundabouts, including the Republic Square and main roads leading from Male International Airport, were adorned with decorations to welcome the Prime Minister. Members of the Indian diaspora gathered in large numbers near the airport and along the route, many waving the Tricolour and chanting slogans to greet the Prime Minister. The atmosphere in Male reflected both the official and popular warmth extended towards PM Modi’s visit, which is seen as significant for regional diplomacy and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold wide-ranging discussions with President Mohamed Muizzu and inaugurate several development projects supported by India across the island nation. PM Modi’s trip to the Maldives is widely viewed as a turning point for relations between New Delhi and Male, which had cooled during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure so far. In his departure statement, Modi noted that this year marks six decades since India and the Maldives established diplomatic ties.

Historically, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), first political party of Maldives the island nation’s democratic transition in 2008, has had a cordial relationship with India. The PNC has, however, fostered good relations with China. However, as Muizzu replaced his partisan policy with a pragmatic one, he has assuaged New Delhi’s concerns by respecting its sensitivities. And in return, he has secured the much-needed economic assistance and cooperation, writes Shivamurthy.

The Maldives shifted one of its Chinese agriculture projects, after India relayed its concerns about Chinese projects near the India-funded Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) harbour. Shivamurthy pointed out that India understands the Maldives’ domestic compulsions and has tolerated its agency and right to engage with other countries.