The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives on 25-26 July 2025, marks a defining moment in the recalibration of India-Maldives relations. His presence as the Guest of Honour at the island nation’s 60th Independence Day celebrations not only reaffirmed India’s traditional support for a close maritime neighbour but also symbolised the steady recovery of a relationship that had faced turbulence in recent years.
The timing, optics, and substance of the visit reflect the mutual recognition of strategic interests and the need for regional cooperation amid a shifting geo-political landscape in the Indian Ocean. Historically, India has enjoyed friendly ties with the Maldives, particularly since the island nation gained independence from British rule in 1965. India was among the first countries to recognize Maldives’ in – dependence and has consistently played a pivotal role in its development journey. Bilateral relations remained largely stable during the initial decades, driven by geographical proximity, cultural affinities, and security imperatives. However, the advent of mu – l tiparty democracy in the Maldives introduced political complexities that affected its external relationships, including with India. The oscillation of power between political parties ~ parti – cularly between the India-friendly Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and other more nationalist or externally influenced factions ~ brought periods of both warmth and frost.
Relations between India and the Maldives reached a new low following the ascent of President Mohamed Muizzu, who rose to power on the back of an “India Out” campaign. His administration adopted a markedly different foreign policy posture compared to his predecessors. One of his first acts in office was to formally request the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives ~ a demand that, though eventually managed diplomatically by India through replacement with civilian staff, signalled a clear departure from the “India First” policy. The early signs of Muizzu’s presidency were therefore worrying for New Delhi. His decisi – on to visit China before India broke a longstanding diplomatic tradition and underscored his administration’s attempt to diversify strategic alignments.
Further damage was done when government-affiliated figures in the Maldives made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media, triggering a popular backlash in India and adversely affecting Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives ~ a key sector of the island economy. Despite the initial strain, a pragmatic course correction appears to be underway. President Muizzu, while continuing to engage China, has toned down his anti-India rhetoric, signalling a realisation that India’s geographic proximity, economic support, and diplomatic goodwill are too consequential to disregard. The presence of Prime Minister Modi at the Maldives’ milestone celebration was a diplomatic success for both sides and a public declaration of renewed partnership.
That both countries used the occasion to issue a commemorative stamp symbolising 60 years of diplomatic ties reflects a shared desire to preserve historical continuity, even as they chart a new course. The visit was not merely symbolic. It resulted in significant outcomes that suggest a deepening of bilateral engagement across key sectors. India announced a Rs 4,850 crore ($565 million) Line of Credit for the Maldives, with special provisions to ease annual debt repayments. Negotiations for a proposed India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement were launched, which, if realised, would considerably expand the trade and investment space between the two nations.
India also reaffirmed its defence partnership with the Maldives, with the inauguration of a new Ministry of Defence building in Malé symbolising sustained military cooperation. In a strong gesture of goodwill, India gifted BHISHM health cube sets to strengthen Maldives’ health emergency infrastructure, reaffirming its role as a partner in human security. Development assistance remained a core component of India’s approach. Social and infrastructure projects were handed over, including 3,300 housing units in Hulhumalé under India’s Buyer’s Credit, roads and drainage infrastructure in Addu City, and six High Impact Community Development Projects. Seventy-two vehicles and other essential equipment were also gifted. These interventions reflect India’s development partnership model ~ demand-driv – en, transparent, and aligned with local priorities ~ offering a compelling alternative to China’s loan-heavy, high-interest infrastructure model.
The visit also saw strong messaging from both leaders. President Muizzu publicly praised India as the Maldives’ “closest and most trusted partner”, noting the everyday impact of Indian cooperation on Maldivian lives ~ from education and healthcare to trade and security. He acknowledged that the relationship predates modern diplomacy, rooted in centuries of maritime interaction across the Indian Ocean. His statem – ent that “no one can break India-Maldives ties” was a significant rhetorical shift from earlier months and recognition of the importance of India in maintaining regional stability. Prime Minister Modi, in turn, underscored that the Maldives holds a “special place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy”. He reiterated that India stands by its neighbours not just out of diplomatic obligation but due to a deep sense of historical, cultural, and regional affinity. Security cooperation form – ed a quiet but crucial undercurrent of the visit. President Muizzu condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack of April 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed, and expressed solidarity with India in fighting terrorism.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that security cooperation between the two nations is regular, institutionalised, and expanding. Given the rising presence of external powers in the Indian Ocean ~ particularly Chi na, but also others with extra-regional interests ~ this security partnership becomes vital not just for the Maldives’ internal security, but for broader maritime stability. The recalibration of India Maldives ties must be viewed in the context of broader regional dynamics. China continues to have strong ties with the Muizzu government and remains Maldives’ largest external creditor. But the economic risks associated with Chinese loans are becoming increasingly evident, as seen in the experiences of other South Asian nations.
Maldives appears to be pursuing a balancing strategy ~ strengthening ties with both India and China while trying to avoid being caught in a zero-sum geopolitical rivalry. For India, this means adapting its engagement to accommodate the Maldives’ multi-vector diplomacy, while remaining vigilant against any external threats to its maritime sphere. In sum, the recent developments between India and the Maldives are a testament to the power of diplomacy and strategic patience. The ability of both countries to overcome recent friction and move towards a constructive agenda reflects a mature and mutually beneficial approach.
For the Maldives, aligning closely with India ensures economic resilience, security cooperation, and a trusted development partner. For India, a stable and cooperative Maldives is essential to maintaining influence in the Indian Ocean and securing its maritime boundaries. The renewed warmth in India-Maldives relations must now be institutionalised through consistent engagement, capacity building, and people-to-people linkages. This is not only in the interest of both nations but also of the larger Indo-Pacific region, where peace and prosperity depend on collaborative rather than competitive partnerships.
(The writer is Associate Fellow, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies & Analyses (MPIDSA), New Delhi)