During a joint press statement at the President’s Office in Malé, Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the Maldives, declaring that India will always be the first to extend assistance whenever the island nation is in need. The statement followed official bilateral talks with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, held as part of Prime Minister Modi’s two-day state visit to the Maldives, which began on Friday morning at the President’s invitation.
The visit holds added symbolic importance, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Maldives–India diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence. Prime Minister Modi described this milestone as part of a much longer continuum, grounded in shared cultural, historical, and regional bonds. He emphasized the Maldives’ proximity as India’s closest maritime neighbour and reiterated its central role in India’s “Neighbourhood First” foreign policy as well as the broader “Mahasagar” (Indian Ocean) framework for regional cooperation.
Speaking at the press event, Prime Minister Modi extended heartfelt greetings to the Maldivian people and thanked President Muizzu for the warm hospitality. He also recalled the progress made since their last bilateral engagement in October 2024 during President Muizzu’s state visit to India, noting that many of the discussions held at the time had since translated into concrete outcomes.
Among the most impactful contributions highlighted by Prime Minister Modi was the USD 565 million line of credit extended by the Government of India. This financial facility is being used to support infrastructure and development projects across various key sectors in the Maldives, including housing, transport, energy, and healthcare.
The Indian Prime Minister underscored that the India–Maldives partnership goes well beyond economic aid. He shared that their discussions also focused on shared regional challenges, especially the threat of climate change—a pressing concern for low-lying island nations like the Maldives. In this context, he pledged India’s continued support in renewable energy development and climate adaptation technologies, affirming that India stands ready to contribute its expertise to enhance the Maldives’ climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, in his concluding remarks, referred to a newly developed roadmap between the two governments, which will serve as a strategic framework for future cooperation. The roadmap outlines key priority areas for collaboration, including defence, digital transformation, disaster management, health, and education, further consolidating the foundation of the partnership.
Prime Minister Modi echoed the sentiment of long-term collaboration and solidarity, assuring that India remains a dependable and steadfast partner. He emphasized that New Delhi’s support for the Maldives is guided not only by shared geography but also by mutual respect and an understanding of the Maldives’ aspirations for sustainable, inclusive growth.
This latest visit, the first since Prime Minister Modi began his third consecutive term in office, marks a high point in India–Maldives relations. It further cements India’s role as a trusted neighbour, development partner, and regional ally.
For international tourists and business stakeholders, such strong bilateral ties ensure continued investment in national infrastructure, enhanced public services, and increased regional stability, all of which contribute to a more secure, connected, and welcoming environment in one of the world’s premier travel destinations.
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