• Source:JND
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PM Modi's Maldives visit: Around 21 months ago, the election environment in the Maldives was totally against India. The then-presidential candidate, Mohamed Muizzu, had run an election campaign with a bold banner of "India Out". The campaign had played a significant role in shaping the victory margin of Muizzu-- with relations almost nosediving to a nadir. Later, a social media post by the Maldivian minster criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lakshadweep visit had complicated the relations between the two nations.

However, after a long time, the situation has taken a dramatic shift. When PModi visited the Maldives on Friday, local citizens chanted "Modi, Modi" and "Narendra Modi zindabad". The slogan echoed through the air as people gathered to greet Prime Minister Modi with enthusiasm in Male.

PM Modi acknowledged their gesture by waving back at the huge crowd which had gathered to welcome him as he inaugurated the newly-built Ministry of Defence building in Male along with the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. A giant portrait of PM Modi also graced the new building of the Maldives Ministry of Defence.

"The loving relations that have been formed between the people of our two nations for centuries are ever-strong even today...Your tourist number 10 lakh this year turned out to be an Indian," PM Modi said in a joint presser with Muizzu in Male.

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"India-Maldives relations are centuries-old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Like I said earlier too, Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy...This is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity," added PM Modi.

India has been the most trusted partner: Muizzu

In return, during a joint press conference, Muizzu also admitted India's role in the development of the Maldives and called it the "most trusted partner. "India has long stood as the Maldives's closest and most trusted partner. My Govt's vision is clear,to build a resilient, inclusive and forward-looking economy that is vibrant to empower our youth, to thrive in the digital age and to ensure lasting peace and security in our shared region. In pursuing these goals, India's partnership remains invaluable," Muizzu said during the presser.

"The Govt and people of Maldives deeply value the friendship of India and are sincerely grateful for the timely assistance your country has extended to us in moments of need. As neighbours and partners, let us continue to explore new avenues of cooperation that promote prosperity, uphold shared values and fulfil the aspirations of our people," he added.

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Earlier, PM Modi said that New Delhi takes immense pride in being Male's "most trusted friend" and India has stood with Maldives as a first responder in times of need. He congratulated the people of the Indian Ocean country on the 60th anniversary of its independence and thanked Muizzu for inviting him as the 'Guest of Honour' on this historic occasion.

Here's a Look at the relations between India and the Maldives in recent years. The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, within hours of his oath, demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms from his country. The Indian military personnel were replaced by Indian civilians.  

How India–Maldives relations nosedived in 2024 and then recovered:

  1. "India Out" Campaign: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, elected in late 2023, pushed for Indian military withdrawal and closer ties with China, straining long-standing relations with India.

  2. Strategic Realignment: Muizzu visited China in January 2024 as his first official trip abroad, reinforcing a pro-Beijing tilt and signing several cooperation agreements.

  3. Troop Withdrawal and Aid Cut: India withdrew its military personnel from the Maldives by May 2024, and significantly reduced development assistance, while Indian tourist numbers sharply declined.
  4. Economic Crisis in Maldives: With rising debt (over 115% of GDP) and dwindling reserves, the Maldives’ financial crisis deepened, exposing its vulnerability and dependence on external support.
  5. India’s Economic Diplomacy: India rolled over a $50 million loan in May 2024, then offered over $750 million in support, including currency swaps and new lines of credit, to stabilise the Maldivian economy.
  6. Diplomatic Reset: High-level visits resumed by late 2024, leading to the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, covering trade, infrastructure, and defence cooperation.
  7. Full Recovery in 2025: In July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives for its 60th Independence Day, announced a $565 million credit line, and launched free trade talks, symbolising a full diplomatic revival.

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