Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu received a warm welcome on his first state visit to India, marking what Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a “new chapter” to reset troubled ties. Muizzu, who came to power promising to evict Indian troops deployed in his archipelago, finally met with Modi after almost a year in office. Despite initial tensions, India offered financial support to boost Male’s struggling economy, focusing on energy, trade, financial linkages, and defense cooperation.
During their discussions, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to the progress and prosperity of the Maldivian people. The two leaders unveiled plans for collaboration on infrastructure projects, including the development of a commercial port at Thilafushi to ease congestion in Male. Additionally, they discussed the possibility of a free trade agreement and other forms of economic cooperation. Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s budgetary support, including a significant currency swap agreement, and described their talks as charting a path for future collaboration between the two countries.
One of the key achievements of the visit was the successful withdrawal of Indian soldiers from the Maldives as per Muizzu’s earlier promise. While the soldiers have been pulled out, the aircraft they were operating remains with a civilian Indian crew. Despite concerns about security implications, Muizzu assured Indian officials that the Maldives would not take any actions that compromise the stability of the region. He emphasized that while the Maldives seeks to enhance cooperation with other countries, it remains committed to maintaining strong ties with India and ensuring mutual security interests.
The visit also saw the virtual inauguration of an Indian-supported airport runway and social housing project in the Maldives, showcasing the ongoing collaboration between the two countries. Modi praised the partnership between India and the Maldives and reiterated India’s support for the Maldivian people’s progress. The leaders underscored the importance of continuing to strengthen bilateral ties in various sectors, including infrastructure development, trade, and defense cooperation. The successful discussions and agreements reached during the visit are expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation and mutual benefits in the future.
Overall, Muizzu’s state visit to India marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries, signaling a new phase of cooperation and collaboration. With India’s support for the Maldives’ economic development and infrastructure projects, the visit laid the groundwork for enhanced ties and shared prosperity. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their partnership and reiterated their commitment to mutual security and stability in the region. The visit underscored the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic relations in the face of regional challenges and highlighted the potential for further cooperation between India and the Maldives.
