In sharp contrast with the ‘India Out’ campaign that helped catapult Mohamed Muizzu to Maldivian presidency, Maldives hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2025, even honouring him in Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations. The visit turned a new page for bilateral relations, with India announcing defence donations, amendments to debt repayment, a new line of credit and other development assistance. The leaders also signed several Memorandums of Understanding and agreed to commence negotiations on a free trade agreement. These developments enhance interoperability, strengthen regional security and deepen Maldives’ reliance on India.
Changing tides in Maldives–India Strategic Cooperation | East Asia Forum
