A warm display of diplomatic friendship was on full view in Male’ City on Friday as the Republic of Maldives officially welcomed the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, on his first state visit to the country since securing his third consecutive term in office. Invited by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the two-day visit, held from July 25 to 26, 2025, marks a renewed chapter of bilateral cooperation between the two Indian Ocean neighbours.
The official welcoming ceremony took place at Republic Square in the heart of the capital, where Prime Minister Modi was ceremonially received by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Upon arrival at the Izzuddin Jetty, the Indian leader was greeted with traditional Maldivian hospitality, including a cultural performance by students from Malé’s Aminiya School. The reception continued with a 21-gun salute by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and the national anthems of both nations were played as a symbol of unity and mutual respect. Prime Minister Modi then inspected a Guard of Honour before dignitaries from both countries were formally introduced.
This visit also holds symbolic importance as it coincides with two milestones in Maldivian national history: the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence and the 60th year of diplomatic relations with India. These parallel commemorations have added depth to the engagement, reinforcing the importance of the Maldives–India relationship in regional affairs.
Prime Minister Modi arrived earlier on Friday morning at Velana International Airport, where he was received by President Muizzu and senior Cabinet officials. The warm reception at both the airport and Republic Square highlighted the mutual goodwill and respect between the two nations.
During the two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold high-level talks with President Dr Muizzu. These official discussions are expected to cover a broad range of areas aimed at enhancing cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development, economic growth, renewable energy, tourism, health, education, and defence. A number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements will be exchanged as part of the visit, formalizing new areas of collaboration. A joint press conference will be held to share the outcomes of the bilateral talks.
Prime Minister Modi is accompanied by a high-level delegation, reflecting the importance placed by the Government of India on its ties with the Maldives. His presence at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives is seen as a gesture of regional solidarity, as well as a reaffirmation of shared values between the two nations. The visit not only commemorates decades of historical relations but also seeks to align future development goals in an era of evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics.
As the Maldives continues to expand its role as a regional hub for tourism, trade, and maritime cooperation, India remains one of its key strategic and development partners. From supporting infrastructure projects to enhancing connectivity and capacity-building initiatives, India’s partnership with the Maldives remains one of the most visible and active in the South Asian region.
This state visit by Prime Minister Modi further deepens that partnership, fostering trust and collaboration that extends beyond diplomatic formalities and into people-to-people connections and shared progress.
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