New Delhi, July 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day State Visit, marking a key moment in New Delhi’s outreach to its maritime neighbour. The aircraft carrying Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting the Maldives as the Guest of Honour for the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations, landed at Velana International Airport in Malé around 9:15 a.m. on Friday.
Prime Minister Modi was received on arrival by President Mohamed Muizzu, Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel, and other senior members of the Maldivian government.
An official welcome ceremony is scheduled to take place later in the day at Republic Square in Malé. Following the ceremony, the two leaders will hold formal talks at the President’s Office, focusing on key bilateral issues and areas of mutual interest.
During the visit, they will jointly inaugurate several India-assisted development projects and witness the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding aimed at deepening cooperation across a range of sectors. Modi is also expected to meet senior leaders of the main opposition party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the official Independence Day celebrations, commemorating six decades since the Maldives gained independence.
This visit, Modi’s first since Muizzu took office in November 2023, also marks the first time the Maldivian President is hosting a foreign head of government. It comes amid efforts by both sides to rebuild diplomatic warmth after recent strains in the relationship.
ANI reported that Chants of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoed at the airport as Prime Minister Modi disembarked, signalling a strong and symbolic welcome from the Indian diaspora and Maldivian public. “This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries,” Modi said in a departure statement, underlining the significance of the occasion.
During the visit, Modi will hold talks with President Muizzu, review the progress of the Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership adopted during Muizzu’s State Visit to India in October 2024, and participate in ceremonial engagements.
India and Maldives have maintained a robust partnership in recent years, despite occasional turbulence. The two leaders have met three times already, on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai, during Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June 2024, and during Muizzu’s visit to India last year.
These engagements helped craft a strategic roadmap covering economic integration and maritime cooperation.
The High-Level Core Group (HLCG) formed to implement this joint vision has met twice, in Malé and New Delhi, to oversee cooperation. Regular ministerial-level exchanges have also taken place, with senior Maldivian ministers visiting India throughout 2025, covering key portfolios such as finance, defence, foreign affairs, and health. External Affairs Minister visited Maldives in August 2024.
India remains one of Maldives’ largest development partners. In 2024, India extended emergency financial assistance, including a currency swap arrangement worth over USD 400 million and INR 3,000 crore, along with an interest-free rollover of USD 100 million in Treasury Bills. Development projects under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) scheme continue to be a cornerstone of bilateral ties.
In 2025, the two countries signed 13 MoUs to expand ferry services across Maldivian islands under HICDP Phase III, backed by MVR 100 million in Indian grant assistance. India is also among Maldives’ top trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 548 million.
Indian companies have made significant investments, particularly in the tourism and infrastructure sectors. Defence and maritime security remain core pillars of the bilateral relationship. India has supported the Maldivian defence sector through equipment supply, maintenance of aviation assets, training, and joint exercises. Both countries collaborate within regional frameworks such as the Colombo Security Conclave.
Modi’s visit is seen as an opportunity to reset ties that have faced turbulence over the past year. Muizzu, perceived to have leaned toward Beijing during his election campaign, has since taken a more balanced approach. The decision to invite Modi as the first visiting head of government under his presidency is widely viewed as a conciliatory gesture.
The Prime Minister’s arrival in Malé follows his successful visit to the UK, where India and Britain signed a historic free trade agreement. During his stay, Modi is expected to inaugurate Indian-assisted development projects and witness the signing of several new MoUs and bilateral agreements. Both leaders will also assess the progress made in implementing the Joint Vision roadmap.
The visit is set to reinforce India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, with the Maldives continuing to hold a strategic place in New Delhi’s Indian Ocean diplomacy.
