Malé — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the Maldives in July 2025 marked a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two Indian Ocean neighbours. His participation as guest of honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations symbolised not only six decades of diplomatic ties but also a renewed commitment to deepen cooperation across security, economic, youth, and cultural sectors.
This was Prime Minister Modi’s first visit since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took office in 2023. Despite initial tensions following the ‘India Out’ campaign that called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, the visit underscored a significant reset in bilateral relations, steering the focus towards mutual development, security collaboration, and regional stability.
Defence and Security Partnership Strengthened
India and the Maldives reaffirmed their shared commitment to maritime security, humanitarian response, and regional peace. Under India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, both countries continue to enhance defence cooperation through capacity building, joint training, and equipment support.
The 16th Dosti Trilateral Exercise, held in 2024 with Sri Lanka, and the Maldives–India Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise at Maafilaafushi Atoll in May 2025, highlighted growing interoperability between the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the Indian Armed Forces.
India’s donation of a Car Nicobar-class patrol vessel in 2023, later upgraded under a US$4 million Indian-funded refit, along with an upcoming Australian Guardian-class patrol boat, has strengthened the Maldives’ maritime surveillance and disaster response capabilities.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu jointly inaugurated the new Ministry of Defence building in Malé, which Modi described as a “concrete building of trust.” India also handed over 72 vehicles and other defence equipment, further bolstering the Maldives’ security infrastructure.
Major Economic Support and Infrastructure Development
Economic cooperation was another major focus during Modi’s visit. India announced a ₹4,850 crore (US$554 million) line of credit and an agreement reducing the Maldives’ annual debt repayment by 40 percent, easing the nation’s financial burden. Both sides also agreed to begin talks toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at boosting investor confidence and promoting long-term economic growth.
India remains one of the Maldives’ key development partners, supporting large-scale projects through the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank). The most significant of these is the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) — a 6.74 km bridge and causeway network linking Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. Financed through a US$400 million line of credit and a US$100 million grant, the project is being implemented by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd and is expected to transform the country’s transport and trade connectivity once completed.
Other Indian-supported projects include:
- Water and sanitation systems across 34 islands under High Impact Community Development projects.
- Development of fisheries and harbour facilities to support local livelihoods.
- Renewable energy and solar initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.
- Infrastructure upgrades for police, fire, and emergency services across multiple atolls.
- Youth and Cultural Engagement Deepened
Beyond economic and defence ties, people-to-people connections continue to serve as the foundation of India–Maldives relations. The High Commission of India has been expanding youth and cultural exchange programmes, scholarships, and training opportunities for Maldivian students under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC).
Each year, hundreds of Maldivian students pursue higher education in India, particularly in fields such as medicine, engineering, information technology, and management. Cultural initiatives such as the International Day of Yoga, India–Maldives Film Festivals, and art exhibitions have further strengthened cultural understanding and friendship between the two nations.
A Balanced Approach in Regional Diplomacy
While the Maldives continues to engage with multiple partners, including China, analysts note that cooperation with India remains vital for national resilience and regional stability. India’s timely assistance during crises — from natural disasters to the COVID-19 pandemic — has positioned it as the Maldives’ most reliable first responder.
President Muizzu described the renewed partnership as a “landmark step in strengthening our economic and strategic cooperation,” while Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India will always remain a “trusted friend of the Maldives.”
A Renewed Chapter in Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Modi’s 2025 visit is widely seen as a turning point in India–Maldives relations, ushering in a more pragmatic and forward-looking partnership. With projects that span security, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and digital transformation, the relationship continues to evolve in alignment with the Maldives’ national priorities and the broader Indo-Pacific framework.
As both countries navigate changing geopolitical dynamics, dialogue, trust, and shared growth remain central to their cooperation — ensuring that India–Maldives relations continue to serve as a pillar of stability, prosperity, and friendship in the Indian Ocean region.
