PM Modi in Maldives: Visit signals reset in ties; what’s on the agenda? | India News
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PM Modi in Maldives: Visit signals reset in ties; what’s on the agenda?
PM Modi will be on a state visit to the island nation from July 25-26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. He will attend the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honour, a moment that also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Maldives. The India-Maldives joint vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ finalised last year, has become a guiding framework for bilateral relations.
departed for the Maldives on Thursday night, wrapping up the UK leg of his two-nation tour. He will be on a state visit to the island nation from July 25-26 at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
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During the visit, PM Modi will attend the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honour, a moment that also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.
“A landmark visit to the UK concludes, elevating India-UK trade and economic ties to new heights. PM Narendra Modi emplanes for the second leg of his tour — Maldives,” the ministry of external affairs posted on X.
What is on agenda?
G Balasubramanian, India’s high commissioner to the Maldives, underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, describing the Maldives as a key partner in India’s Neighbourhood First policy and its MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and growth.
During the visit, PM Modi will meet President Muizzu and inaugurate several India-assisted development projects. Multiple MoUs are also expected to be signed during the trip, which is seen as significant in resetting ties that had strained after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took office in November 2023.
The India-Maldives joint vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ finalised last year, has become a guiding framework for bilateral relations.
UK visit
Earlier, during his UK visit from July 23-24, PM Modi met British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, where the two leaders welcomed the signing of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), taking the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level. Modi also met King Charles III at Sandringham Estate to discuss bilateral progress.
India, Maldives Discuss FTA and Investment Treaty Ahead of Modi’s 25th–26th July Visit
PM Modi will attend the island nation’s Independence Day celebrations as the ‘guest of honour’ The visit signals a reset in relations. Both leaders are expected to review the progress under the India-Maldives joint vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. In 2023, over 209,000 Indian tourists visited the Maldives. They accounted for 11% of the country’s total tourism. The visit is under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India and the Maldives are in discussions regarding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). They are also discussing a Bilateral Investment Treaty.
This will be PM Modi’s first visit since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November 2023 — a time when ties between the two nations had become tense. The visit signals a reset in relations. Both leaders are expected to review the progress under the India-Maldives joint vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. This vision was adopted during Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.
The MEA added that the visit highlights the importance India places on its maritime neighbour. The visit is under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Background and Strained Ties
Tensions had flared earlier in January 2024 when PM Modi’s social media post showcasing Indian beaches sparked comparisons with the Maldives. The situation escalated after three Maldivian ministers made offensive comments about Modi, calling him a “clown,” “terrorist,” and “puppet of Israel.” The posts were deleted following backlash. However, the incident triggered a #BoycottMaldives movement in India. In 2023, over 209,000 Indian tourists visited the Maldives. They accounted for 11% of the country’s total tourism.
‘India Out’ Campaign
The ‘India Out’ campaign began in 2020 and opposes India’s military presence in the Maldives. Although more visible recently, its roots date back to 2013, during the presidency of Abdulla Yameen. He led a government perceived as pro-China. Protesters say the campaign is peaceful and not anti-India. Yet, it has added to the strain in bilateral ties.
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