PM Modi Maldives Visit: Two years ago, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was raising slogans of 'India Out' in his election campaigns and making statements against India. But today when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on a two-day visit to Maldives, Muizzu reached the airport to welcome him with half of his cabinet.
Muizzu is considered anti-India and a supporter of China. After winning the presidential election in 2023, he sent the 77 Indian soldiers deployed since 1988 back to India. Besides, he changed the tradition going on for years and went to Turkey instead of India on his first foreign tour.
But today the scene in Maldives was totally changed. President Muizzu himself reached the airport to receive PM Modi. What has caused the change in Muizzu's perspective, and why is he expressing such a strong affinity for India? What changes have taken place in the relations between the two countries from 2023 till now?
India provided assistance during Covid epidemic
The economy of Maldives was badly affected due to the Corona epidemic. The situation had become so dire that in September 2024, the country's foreign exchange reserves were reduced to just $440 million, which was sufficient only for one and a half months of imports. In this difficult time, India extended a helping hand and provided a currency swap facility of $750 million to the Maldives. In addition, India also assisted through a treasury bill rollover of $100 million. Along with this, India started many big projects in Maldives, which improved the economic condition of Maldives.
Maldives suffered a loss of $150 million
Tourism income is an important contributor to the economy of Maldives. But in 2025, due to the "Boycott Maldives" campaign, tourism declined drastically. During this time, Maldives suffered a loss of $150 million. After this, President Muizzu started appealing to Indian tourists to come to Maldives.
Muizzu visited India during Modi's oath taking
The tension between the two countries had increased significantly due to the withdrawal of Indian troops. However, India continued to help Maldives by adopting the "Neighborhood First" policy. In August 2024, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Maldives. Apart from this, when PM Modi was taking oath as Prime Minister for the third time in June 2024, Mohamed Muizzu visited India. Due to constant dialogue, the differences that arose between the two countries ended.
Maldives badly trapped in China's debt trap
Maldives is badly trapped in the debt trap of China. Maldives is constantly trying to get out of the Chinese debt of $ 1.37 billion. After becoming President, Muizzu realized that it is much safer and convenient to trust India than China.
Military assistance
India and Maldives share a maritime border. India has been providing military assistance to Maldives from time to time. In 2024, India gave ships and helicopters to Maldives for maritime security. Also, whenever there is a crisis in Maldives, India is the first to come forward to help.
Prakash Kumar Pandey