Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday, reaffirming India’s role as a close ally to the Maldives and underscoring New Delhi's ‘neighbourhood first’ foreign policy. Modi emphasized India's support during crucial moments, such as providing Covid-19 vaccines and responding to other financial and medical emergencies in the island nation.

During their discussions, Prime Minister Modi highlighted India's contributions to the Maldives' development, including the inauguration of an airport, housing projects, and clean drinking water initiatives that now benefit over 30,000 people across 28 Maldivian islands. He also reiterated the significance of the Maldives in ensuring security in the Indian Ocean Region, a topic of concern in India, especially after Muizzu, perceived to lean towards China, campaigned on an ‘India out’ platform during the last election.

The leaders discussed furthering diplomatic ties, with plans for consulates in Addu and Bengaluru, and explored opportunities to boost tourism, the Maldives’ primary revenue source, as well as trade and infrastructure development. Muizzu encouraged the return of Indian tourists and expressed his commitment to deepening economic cooperation, including the possibility of a free trade agreement.

In the meeting, Muizzu also expressed gratitude for India’s continued assistance, mentioning a ₹30 billion support package and a US$400 million currency swap agreement aimed at addressing the Maldives’ foreign exchange crisis. He affirmed his country's commitment to maintaining strong ties with India and ensuring that Maldivian actions would not compromise regional security.

This visit, Muizzu’s first bilateral trip since assuming office, marks a warming of relations following last year’s diplomatic tensions. Despite his past ‘India out’ stance, Muizzu reassured that the Maldives seeks to enhance cooperation with other nations while remaining committed to regional stability.