The diplomatic relationship between India and the Maldives continues to flourish as newly-elected President Mohamed Muizzu made his first official visit to India, meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral discussions. The talks, held in New Delhi, focused on strengthening ties between the two countries and addressing regional security, economic partnerships, and sustainable development.
A Renewed Partnership
Muizzu’s visit marks a significant moment in Indo-Maldivian relations, coming soon after his election in September 2024. The Maldives holds strategic importance for India due to its location in the Indian Ocean, and the bilateral meeting underscores India’s “Neighborhood First” policy, which places a premium on fostering strong relationships with its neighboring countries. For the Maldives, India is a vital partner in security, trade, and infrastructure development, and Muizzu’s visit is seen as a step to enhance these aspects.
During the talks, Modi congratulated Muizzu on his election and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the two nations. The leaders discussed various bilateral issues, including maritime security, climate change, economic collaboration, and people-to-people ties. They highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region, especially given the growing global attention on Indo-Pacific strategies.
Security and Maritime Cooperation
One of the key issues discussed was maritime security. India has traditionally played a role in ensuring the stability and security of the Maldives, especially given the archipelago’s vulnerability to external threats due to its vast coastline and proximity to major international shipping routes. Both leaders agreed to enhance defense cooperation, focusing on maritime patrols, information sharing, and capacity-building for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF).
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to the Maldives’ security, offering continued assistance in defense and counter-terrorism measures. He also emphasized the shared responsibility of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean, which is crucial for regional and global trade.
Economic Ties and Development
Economic cooperation formed a significant part of the discussions, with both leaders focusing on infrastructure projects funded by India. India has been one of the largest contributors to the Maldives’ development, particularly in areas like transport, healthcare, and housing. The $500 million Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) is a flagship initiative, connecting Maldives’ capital Male with surrounding islands. Modi reassured Muizzu of India’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion of these projects.
The discussions also touched on enhancing trade relations. With tourism being a key sector in the Maldivian economy, both countries agreed on measures to boost tourism exchanges. Additionally, plans were made to further explore renewable energy partnerships, focusing on solar and wind energy.
The visit reinforced the strong relationship between India and the Maldives, reflecting mutual respect and shared goals for security, development, and regional stability. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Indo-Maldivian relations, with this visit setting the stage for more fruitful cooperation in the years to come.
