PM Modi Meets Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu: Economic and Security Ties To Get a Boost

Male (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the Maldives has brought a significant boost to India-Maldives relations, which had soured after President Mohamed Muizzu took office with an 'India Out' poll campaign. During his visit, Modi held bilateral talks with Muizzu, focusing on strengthening economic and maritime security cooperation.

Key Takeaways from the Visit

1. Economic Support: India is expected to extend a line of credit worth $565 million to the Maldives, helping the island nation stabilize its economy.

2. Free Trade Agreement: Talks on a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries are expected to formally begin, enhancing trade and economic ties.

3. Infrastructure Development: Modi will remotely inaugurate the expansion of an international airport on the island of Hanimadhoo, which India is helping to finance.

4. Maritime Security: The two leaders discussed enhancing maritime security cooperation, with India committed to supporting the Maldives in its development goals.

Rebuilding Relations

India-Maldives relations had strained after Muizzu's government upgraded ties with China and pledged to end the Maldives' 'India first' policy. However, India's support in preventing the Maldives from defaulting on its $7.5 billion debt has helped rebuild ties. Muizzu's visit to India last October marked a significant step towards normalizing relations.

Future Prospects

The Maldives is a vital partner in India's Neighborhood First policy and MAHASAGAR vision. With Modi's visit, both countries are poised to strengthen their relationship, focusing on economic cooperation, maritime security, and development. As Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted, steady diplomacy has helped rebuild ties, and attention at the highest levels will continue to nurture this relationship.