PM Modi May Attend Maldives’ Independence Day Amid Renewed Diplomatic Ties
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the Maldives on July 26 to take part in the country’s Independence Day celebrations, according to a report by the Times of India. While the visit has not yet been officially confirmed by either government, sources suggest that Indian authorities are seriously considering the invitation.
A Diplomatic Invitation Amid Evolving Relations
The invitation was reportedly extended by Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel during his recent visit to New Delhi. Dr. Khaleel was in India for the second High-Level Core Group meeting—a key diplomatic platform for ongoing cooperation between the two nations.
Should the visit go ahead, it would mark Prime Minister Modi’s first trip to the Maldives since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office. The potential visit is being viewed as a significant opportunity to further improve the evolving bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries.
From Tensions to Talks: A Shift in Tone
Ties between India and the Maldives have seen some strain in recent times. Following President Muizzu’s election, his administration was closely linked to the "India Out" movement—a campaign that criticized the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives.
Tensions escalated further when several Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments about Prime Minister Modi on social media. These remarks sparked widespread backlash in India, including calls for a boycott of Maldivian tourism—an industry vital to the island nation’s economy.
However, over the past few months, both governments have taken deliberate steps to stabilize the relationship. Diplomatic dialogue has resumed at a steady pace, marked by official visits and bilateral meetings aimed at fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
Financial Support as a Pillar of Partnership
India has played a supportive role in the Maldives’ financial stability, a move that appears to have strengthened diplomatic goodwill. This includes India deferring the repayment of USD 200 million in treasury bonds and offering a USD 400 million currency swap facility. In addition, India has enabled payments for essential goods in Maldivian Rufiyaa, helping ease pressure on the Maldives’ foreign exchange reserves.
President Muizzu himself made an official visit to India in October last year, indicating a desire to reset and reshape diplomatic relations. Modi’s potential return visit, especially on the symbolic occasion of Maldives’ Independence Day, could serve as a powerful gesture of renewed partnership.
A Visit With Regional Significance
While the final decision on Prime Minister Modi’s visit is still pending, its implications could go beyond ceremonial significance. A high-level visit would not only reaffirm India’s strategic interest in the Maldives but also demonstrate a broader commitment to regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
As the Maldives prepares to celebrate its independence, the presence of one of the region’s most influential leaders could send a strong message of reconciliation, collaboration, and forward-looking diplomacy.