India is positively evaluating an invitation from the Maldives for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the strategically significant Indian Ocean nation in July, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move comes after a renewed push from Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, reiterated by the country’s Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel during his recent visit to New Delhi.
Although discussions are still at a preliminary stage, July 26 — the Maldives’ Independence Day — is being considered as a possible date for the visit. If confirmed, it would mark PM Modi’s first trip to the Maldives since President Muizzu took office in November 2023.
Khaleel’s visit to India last week was his third this year, signaling the Maldives’ growing intent to deepen its relationship with India amid ongoing regional concerns about Malé’s growing proximity to China. During his talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the two leaders reviewed cooperation across key areas including development, defence, trade, and investment. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Maldives’ progress and thanked the island nation for its solidarity on counter-terrorism.
President Muizzu, while asserting the Maldives’ sovereign right to decision-making, has repeatedly emphasized that the removal of Indian military personnel was driven by a domestic call for non-interference. He has also maintained that the Maldives will not compromise India's security interests.
In a recent interview with Ceylon Today, President Muizzu reaffirmed his stance on regional stability, stating that the Maldives would not allow any foreign power to exploit its location to destabilize the Indian Ocean. “Our approach will always be for regional peace and sovereignty, and fair diplomacy with everyone,” he said.
India views the Maldives as a key maritime partner under its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). The latest diplomatic engagements are focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership announced during Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024. One of the notable outcomes from that visit was the decision to initiate talks on a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement aimed at enhancing trade in goods and services between the two nations.
If finalized, PM Modi’s visit would underscore New Delhi’s commitment to fostering closer ties with the Maldives, reinforcing shared goals of regional stability, economic growth, and strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. (Source: TOI)
