India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed the Maldives as a key pillar of India’s “Neighborhood First” and “Mahasagar” vision, pledging continued support for capacity building and sustainable development initiatives.

Prime Minister Modi’s official visit to Malé, which took place from July 25-26, marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. His visit also coincided with the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations, where he was honored as the Chief Guest by President Mohamed Muizzu. This was PM Modi’s first visit to the island nation under President Muizzu’s administration and the first by any global leader since President Muizzu assumed office in 2023.

PM Modi was personally received by President Muizzu at the airport, followed by a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square. The Prime Minister described the reception as a “memorable welcome” and said he was “deeply touched by the gesture.” This moment, widely covered and noted on the Maldivian President’s official page, is being seen as a significant reset in New Delhi–Malé ties, following Muizzu’s “India Out” campaign that brought him to power in 2023. 

During his remarks, President Muizzu extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister Modi for becoming India’s second-longest-serving prime minister, describing the milestone as a testament to his “visionary leadership” and “unwavering commitment to public service.” He further emphasized the strength of bilateral ties, calling India the Maldives’ “closest and most trusted partner” and noting: “It is the same ocean that unites us today with ties that no tide can break.”

The Malé visit followed PM Modi’s earlier official trip to the United Kingdom from July 23-24, undertaken at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. 

In London, Prime Ministers Modi and Starmer engaged in comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern. Prime Minister Modi also called on His Majesty King Charles III during his UK visit.

Historic Reset in Ties, Development Projects and Strategic Announcements

PM Modi’s visit to the Maldives was marked by several symbolic gestures: a ceremonial procession outside the President’s Office; a large portrait of Modi displayed at the new Defense Ministry building; a sapling planting ceremony in Malé; and the joint release of commemorative stamps reflecting shared maritime heritage. India’s stamp featured the Uru, a traditional wooden vessel built in Beypore, Kerala, while the Maldivian stamp showcased the Vadhu Dhoni, a traditional fishing boat. PM Modi noted in his speech, “These stamps celebrate our shared maritime heritage and the long-standing bonds between our peoples.”

According to Press Information Bureau (PIB), PM Modi virtually inaugurated roads, drainage systems, and six community projects, and handed over BHISHM health kits for island emergencies. India also provided 4,000 housing units and 72 vehicles to Maldivian Defense Force.

During their bilateral meeting at the President’s Office, the leaders reviewed progress on the India–Maldives Joint Vision for Economic and Maritime Security, adopted during President Muizzu’s October 2024 visit to India. Talks focused on development, climate action, maritime security, and digital and financial linkages, according to the PMO.

Line of Credit and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)

India announced a new USD 565 million Line of Credit for Maldivian infrastructure and signed an agreement reducing annual debt repayments by 40 per cent, from USD 51 million to USD 29 million.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), six MOUs and three agreements were signed in areas like fisheries, meteorology, UPI payments, digital infrastructure, and recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia.

President Muizzu also noted “India’s vital contributions in healthcare, education, trade, and national security”, and spoke of a shared vision for a resilient and inclusive Maldivian economy with India as an “invaluable” partner.

Shared Stand Against Terrorism

PM Modi thanked President Muizzu for the Maldives’ strong condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir. Both leaders, reiterated the importance of regional security and affirmed that terrorism must be countered with unified resolve.

A similar sentiment was echoed in the UK leg of the trip, where PM Modi thanked PM Starmer for Britain’s firm condemnation of the attack. PM Modi remarked, “Those who misuse democratic freedoms to undermine democracy itself must be held to account.”

At Chequers, the official country residence of PM Starmer, PMs Modi and Starmer signed the long-awaited Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). PM Modi described the agreement as a step toward inclusive growth, stating, “The signing of CETA reflects our shared commitment to enhancing trade, driving inclusive growth, and creating opportunities for farmers, women, youth, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and professionals.”

The deal, as promoted in official PIB and UK government releases, is designed to balance global competitiveness with domestic job creation and welfare. Analysts estimate that by 2040, the agreement could boost bilateral trade by nearly £25.5 billion annually (roughly USD 34 billion).

In addition to CETA, both leaders launched Vision 2035, a strategic framework for collaboration in defense, semiconductors, education, climate action, and people-to-people engagement. With over 1.8 million people of Indian origin in the UK, the deal is expected to deepen both business and cultural ties. Modi described the bilateral talks as “outstanding” and said the new roadmap moves India–UK ties “toward a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership aimed at mutual prosperity and long-term global relevance.”

Royal and Youth Engagement

His Majesty King Charles III received the Prime Minister at Sandringham House, marking the end of PM Modi’s UK trip. Discussions included trade and investment under CETA, education, and wellness, particularly Yoga and Ayurveda, which are personal areas of interest to the monarch.

The King’s participation in India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, which encourages planting a tree in one’s mother’s name, was acknowledged by Modi.

 At the Buckinghamshire Street Cricket Hubs, PMs Modi and Starmer interacted with local youth. PM Modi presented a cricket bat signed by India’s T20 World Cup team, symbolizing the power of cultural and generational bonds between India and the UK.

Diaspora at the Heart

Throughout his visit, the Prime Minister placed the Indian diaspora at the center of his diplomatic outreach, calling them a “powerful bridge” between nations.

In the Maldives, Indian communities welcomed him with traditional performances and chants, footage of which was shared by Modi on his official X handle. He expressed gratitude to the diaspora for their contributions to Maldivian society and for maintaining close ties with India.

In the UK, diaspora engagement was equally prominent from youth cricket events to high-level diplomatic interactions. Modi acknowledged their impact, stating that he was “very proud” of their global achievements and ongoing role in strengthening India’s international partnerships.

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