Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to make a state visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, 2025. This visit, at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, holds significant importance as it marks PM Modi's first visit to the island nation during President Muizzu's administration. The visit coincides with the Maldives' 60th Independence Day on July 26, as well as the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India.
During the visit, PM Modi and President Muizzu will engage in high-level discussions focusing on key bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. Following these discussions, they are expected to inaugurate several joint projects between Maldives and India. Furthermore, both leaders will oversee the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors.
The relationship between India and the Maldives is built on a foundation of shared interests and mutual respect. Maldives holds a special place in India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, which aims to foster stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both nations are also key players in maintaining the safety and security of the IOR, contributing to India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
In October 2024, President Muizzu visited India, where he met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues. During this visit, the leaders jointly adopted a framework document titled "India Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership" and launched various development projects.
Despite recent tensions in India-Maldives relations, sparked by the "India Out" campaign, both countries have expressed a strong desire to repair and strengthen their ties. Several high-level visits, including two by President Muizzu, have taken place to facilitate this process. In January 2025, Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel stated that President Muizzu seeks to build a stronger relationship with India.
In May 2025, India and the Maldives signed 13 MoUs to enhance ferry services, expand maritime connectivity, and uplift community livelihoods in the Maldives, with a grant of MVR 100 million from India. These projects are being implemented under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III.
India has also been providing substantial defense support to the Maldives. This includes providing the largest number of training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting approximately 70% of their defense training requirements. In January 2025, India reiterated its commitment to strengthening the Maldives' defense capabilities, including providing defense equipment and personnel training, and announced a US$4 million grant for specific items requested by the MNDF.
PM Modi's upcoming state visit to the Maldives is expected to further solidify the bilateral relations between the two countries. It also provides an opportunity to discuss and advance cooperation on various fronts, including economic partnership, maritime security, and regional stability.
