The Maldives’ Grand Welcome for PM Modi Signifies Reset in Bilateral Ties
MALE, Maldives: July 25, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed today in the Maldives for a two-day state visit, with a royal reception awaiting him at the Velana International Airport from President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives. It is significant in that PM Modi will be making this his first official visit to the island nation after having assumed his third term in office, and it will also be the first state visit by President Muizzu since taking office in November 2023.
Hearty Arrival and Diplomatic Import
On arrival in Male, Modi was met with a grand ceremony with a cultural dance performed by schoolchildren and chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ from the Indian diaspora. President Muizzu, alongside his cabinet ministers for foreign affairs, defense, finance, and homeland security, was present at the airport to welcome the Indian leaders to the nation personally. PM Modi stated that he was “deeply touched” by President Muizzu’s gesture, which he believed would strengthen the India-Maldives fraternity for “new heights of progress.”
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Key Agenda and Reset in Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is from July 25 to 26, 2025, on an invitation from President Muizzu. A central highlight of the trip will be PM Modi’s participation as Guest of Honor in the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on 26 July. In addition, that day marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives, which gives even more symbolic weight to the visit.
The visit is predominantly perceived as a crucial milestone in resetting frayed ties that had developed during the infamous ‘India Out’ campaign under President Muizzu, who is also perceived as pro-China. Both leaders are expected to discuss in detail the broadening of bilateral cooperation in key sectors.
Seizing on Development and Strategic Partnership
Discussions between PM Modi and President Muizzu would mainly focus on proceeding with the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ finalized last year, as emphasized by Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian. Maldives has become India’s go-to partner in their ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and growth.
During his tour, PM Modi is expected to launch various India-supported projects in domains like infrastructure, health, and community development. Multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to get signed as they hope to bolster the Maldivian economic growth and bolster bilateral connectivity.
This visit is timely following PM Modi’s successful two-day excursion to the United Kingdom (July 23-24), where India and the UK inked a hallmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that seeks to elevate their strategic partnership to new levels.
Indian Diaspora’s Thrill
The Indian diaspora in the Maldives was stirred with much excitement and pride at the arrival of PM Modi. The members of the community fervently greeted him and showcased again the connectivity of people-to-people ties that only strengthens the bilateral relationship.
The diplomatic engagement reflects a recommitment by both nations towards strategically managed navigation of their relationship, with enhanced stability and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
