India has reaffirmed its position as the Maldives’ most trusted and responsive development partner, with ongoing support across key sectors including infrastructure, health, education, and disaster response. As the two nations continue to deepen their historic relationship, India’s growing presence in the Maldives highlights both long-standing friendship and strategic cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Over the past few years, India has emerged as a leading contributor to the Maldives’ national development through grants, concessional financing, and humanitarian aid. Among the most prominent projects is the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) — the largest-ever infrastructure initiative in the Maldives — funded through a $500 million Indian grant and line of credit. The project is expected to transform connectivity between Malé and nearby islands, enhancing trade, tourism, and daily commuting for thousands.
India has also extended its support in critical areas such as healthcare. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), gifted by India and continually upgraded, serves as one of the country’s most vital medical institutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India was the first country to deliver vaccines, dispatch medical teams, and supply essential medicines to the Maldives.
In education and human resource development, hundreds of Maldivian students and civil servants benefit annually from scholarships and training programs offered by the Indian government. Indian-assisted digital education and skill-building initiatives are also helping young Maldivians prepare for the global job market.
Security and maritime cooperation have grown stronger, with India providing patrol vessels, aircraft, and radar systems to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Regular joint training and strategic dialogues reflect a shared commitment to regional stability.
India’s assistance has also come in times of crisis. From delivering water during Malé’s 2014 desalination plant failure to providing direct budgetary support during economic downturns, India's response has been timely and effective.
Why India Matters
India’s proximity, historical ties, and “Neighbourhood First” policy make it uniquely positioned to understand and support Maldivian priorities. Unlike other large powers, India’s approach emphasizes transparency, mutual respect, and demand-driven development.
Foreign policy analysts note that India's support is not only about aid but also about empowering communities and strengthening national resilience. “India has walked the talk,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Whether it's building roads, saving lives during the pandemic, or helping us guard our seas — India has stood with us.”
Looking Ahead
As the Maldives navigates challenges such as climate change, digital transition, and economic diversification, India’s continued support is expected to play a crucial role in achieving long-term sustainability and national development.
