Maldivian President’s Visit Aims to Strengthen India-Maldives Relations

Nearly a year after his election, the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, visited India, signaling a diplomatic attempt to repair ties with New Delhi. His initial foreign visits to countries including Turkey, China, and the UAE, deviating from a norm of prioritizing India for bilateral engagements among neighboring nations, drew attention and tension.

Maldivian President Muizzu’s campaign platform, which included an “India Out” slogan, initially strained relations between the two countries. This sentiment was further exacerbated by controversies that led to an “India boycott Maldives” campaign within India.

The visit saw President Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engage in formal bilateral negotiations, which marked a turning point. Previously, India had agreed to replace stationed Indian troops in the Maldives with technical personnel, following Muizzu’s demand, paving the way for renewed cooperation and exchange of high-level visits between foreign ministers.

To support the Maldivian economy, India extended a $100 million subscription in Maldivian T-bills through the State Bank of India, aiding in debt servicing. Additionally, India announced a $400 million support package and a ₹3,000 crore currency swap arrangement to bolster the Maldives’ currency reserves. These measures indicated India’s commitment to rejuvenating economic connections.

Furthermore, both countries announced joint initiatives, including discussions on Free Trade Agreements and a comprehensive maritime security partnership. Infrastructure projects underscored the potential for enhanced collaboration.

During his visit, President Muizzu visited Mumbai and Bengaluru, advocating for the resumption of Indian tourist visits and promoting new investment and employment opportunities. Such endeavors are considered a step towards revitalizing the historically close relationship between the nations.

Commenting on the historic ties, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s role as the Maldives’ “first responder” in times of need, reflecting on the geographical and diplomatic connections that align both nations closely.

In continuation of this diplomatic effort, President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed paid a courtesy visit to the Raj Bhavan in Karnataka. They met with Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and cabinet minister MC Sudhakar. The discussions focused on bolstering economic cooperation and included topics such as the RuPay card launch in the Maldives and improved air connectivity.

The meeting highlighted the significance of high-level interactions between Maldivian leadership and key Indian figures, stirring optimism for future collaborations, particularly in Karnataka’s IT and start-up sectors. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed eagerness to promote Karnataka’s industries, specifically handloom and handicrafts, in the Maldivian market.