Prime Minister Narendra Modi may plan to visit Maldives on July 26 this month. This visit will be his first since President Mohammed Muizz took office in November 2023. PM Modi is likely to attend the Maldives Independence Day celebrations as the chief guest, for which President Muizzu invited him last year. This invitation was recently reiterated by Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Khalil during his visit to India.
This visit is considered an important initiative towards strengthening relations between India and Maldives. There was tension between the two countries for some time during the rule of Maldives President Muizzu, especially due to Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ policy and demand for withdrawal of Indian military personnel. However, in recent months Maldives has taken several positive steps to improve its relations with India. During Muizzu’s visit to India in October last year, the two countries agreed to transform bilateral relations into a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’. Additionally, India decided to provide assistance under a bilateral currency swap agreement of Rs 30 billion and $400 million to address Maldives’ financial problems.
Independence Day celebration is special
Maldives celebrates its Independence Day every year on 26 July, which commemorates its independence from British rule in 1965. On this day, a grand parade, presentations by the National Cadet Corps and National Security Service, cultural programs by school children and a flag hoisting ceremony are organized in the capital Male. The 60th Independence Day of Maldives will be celebrated in 2025, in which the presence of the Prime Minister of India is being given special importance, as this year is also the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Maldives.
Strategic importance of India-Maldives relations
The Maldives is a key strategic ally of India in the Indian Ocean region. The growing ties between the Maldives and China in recent years have raised concerns in India and Western countries. Nevertheless, Muizzu has repeatedly made it clear that the Maldives will not take any action against India’s security interests and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Various projects supported by India may be inaugurated during the possible visit of Prime Minister Modi, prominent among them is the Greater Male Connectivity Project. This project is an important infrastructure initiative funded by India to connect Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. India has provided a loan facility of $ 400 million and a grant of $ 100 million for this project.
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