How Are Relations Recalibrated on India's Terms? Maldives Welcomes PM Modi with Open Arms

Male, July 25 (NationPress) In a stunning exhibition of India-Maldives camaraderie and mutual respect, a monumental portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi adorned the Maldives Defence Ministry building in Male as he commenced his two-day State Visit to this picturesque Indian Ocean archipelago on Friday.

This marks Prime Minister Modi's third journey to the Maldives, following his visits in 2018 and 2019. Notably, this is the first visit by a Head of State or Government during the presidency of Mohamed Muizzu, which commenced in November 2023.

On Saturday, PM Modi will serve as the 'Guest of Honour' at the celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of Maldives' independence, coinciding with the 60-year milestone of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 2025.

Muizzu, who previously campaigned on an 'India Out' platform, welcomed PM Modi at the airport alongside his senior ministers on Saturday morning upon Modi's arrival from the United Kingdom.

"Landed in Male. I am deeply touched by President Muizzu's kind gesture of welcoming me at the airport. I am optimistic that the India-Maldives friendship will reach new heights in the future," PM Modi shared on X.

Despite Muizzu's earlier campaign rhetoric, PM Modi was the first global leader to extend his congratulations after Muizzu's election victory. Muizzu was also invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the new government in New Delhi last year.

The two leaders previously met at the COP meeting in Dubai and later, President Muizzu undertook a State Visit to India in October 2024.

Analysts suggest that India's response has been measured and strategic rather than impulsive.

"India played its cards wisely and awaited the Maldives' move. The Maldives likely attempted to explore alternatives but soon recognized that no other ally could provide what India does. A fundamental truth in the Indian Ocean is that during crises—be it cyclones, pandemics, piracy, or food shortages—it's usually India that responds," emphasized a former diplomat.

"Delhi has skillfully avoided the common misstep of treating a smaller neighbor as a troublesome client. Instead, it has approached the relationship with strategic patience, quiet assurance, and an outstretched hand of friendship," he added.

The outcomes are evident as discussions are now underway between India and the Maldives to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement and an investment treaty.

"Our relationship with the Maldives is extensive and multifaceted. It has garnered attention from leadership at the highest levels, and we anticipate that Prime Minister Modi's visit will further strengthen these bonds, contributing to peace, prosperity, and security in our shared Indian Ocean Region," stated Foreign Secretary Misri during a media briefing in New Delhi ahead of PM Modi's two-nation journey.

As both leaders evaluate the progress made under the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', adopted during the Maldivian President's visit to India in October 2024, PM Modi will inaugurate various infrastructure projects and announce new initiatives during his stay, highlighting New Delhi's commitment to its maritime neighbor, which holds a vital position in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

"We have consistently been the first to respond to Maldives' needs during times of crisis, whether natural or man-made. Our political relationship has been robust, reinforced by regular high-level visits," Misri noted.

"This joint vision serves as a guiding framework for our relationship. This year alone, we have witnessed nearly a dozen ministerial-level visits from the Maldives. India's External Affairs Minister's first engagement this year was with the Maldives' Foreign Minister," he added.

India stands as one of the Maldives' largest trading partners, with bilateral trade currently reaching nearly $500 million.

"On the economic front, we are actively negotiating a Free Trade Agreement and an investment treaty, while also exploring new cooperation areas such as renewable energy and fisheries. A significant area of collaboration is the development partnership, with India traditionally supporting the Maldives through various initiatives including concessional lines of credit, grants, and capacity-building programs across multiple sectors.

"The flagship project currently underway is the Greater Male connectivity project, which promises to be a transformative infrastructure project connecting four islands of the Maldives. We are also working on projects related to roads, airports, fisheries, and social housing in alignment with the Maldives' needs and priorities," he elaborated.

The Foreign Secretary highlighted India's financial assistance to the Maldivian government through mechanisms like currency swap arrangements, noting that the Maldives is among the largest recipients of India's capacity-building initiatives.

"We also maintain a strong defense and security partnership, with India aiding the Maldives in enhancing its defense capabilities, training personnel, and conducting regular naval exercises. We have been assisting the Maldives in improving its capacity for exclusive economic zone surveillance and maritime domain awareness through the provision of ships and other assets while cooperating under the auspices of the Colombo Security Conclave," the Foreign Secretary concluded.