PM Modi Invited as Chief Guest by Leader Who Once Championed 'India Out' Slogan
A new chapter in bilateral relations has begun as the Maldivian president, who was once a strong opponent of India's presence, welcomes PM Modi as the country's chief guest on Independence Day.
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| PM Modi with Maldives's President "Mohamed Muizzu" / Image Credit: The President's Office of the Republic of Maldives |
During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan received a strong reminder of India's might. In a similar turn of events, the same Maldivian leader who once boldly raised the 'India Out' slogan now finds himself inviting PM Narendra Modi as the chief guest for his country’s Independence Day celebration.
From 'India Out' to 'India Invited'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set off on an important visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives, aimed at deepening international ties and shaping strategic engagement. Particularly, his visit to the Maldives will send a strong geopolitical message across South Asia. Dubbed “Mission Maldives,” this tour will be remembered as a milestone in India-Maldives relations. Modi’s trip marks the first significant engagement with the Maldives under President Muizzu’s leadership. He is set to attend the country’s sixtieth Independence Day as the chief guest.
A Rocky Past and a New Chapter
The friendship between India and the Maldives is considered one of the most vital strategic partnerships in South Asia. However, relations between the two nations had strained nearly two years ago. This strain in ties was driven by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who had once taken a firm stance against India's presence. During his electoral campaign, Muizzu rallied support with the 'India Out' slogan. At the time, many experts feared that India had lost a key maritime ally in its own backyard.
Soft Diplomacy Turns the Tide
What many labeled a setback for India turned out to be a diplomatic victory. With building mutual trust through consistent dialogue and diplomacy, Prime Minister Modi renewed India’s standing and influence with the Maldivian government. Even President Muizzu came to realize that, in comparison to China, India remained a more reliable and time-tested partner in times of crisis.
India’s Continued Support to Maldives
India has consistently supported the Maldives, offering financial aid, defense cooperation, and infrastructure assistance. In twenty twenty-four, India extended four hundred million dollars in financial aid and a currency swap arrangement worth three thousand crore rupees. Defense ties were reinforced with ongoing naval equipment sharing, pilot training, and air services. In early twenty twenty-five, India provided one hundred million Maldivian Rufiyaa for expanding ferry services. High-level dialogues in New Delhi and Malé have also kept the political communication open and productive.
Modi’s Third Visit to Maldives Sends a Message to China
PM Modi has now visited the Maldives three times. He first attended the inauguration of former President Ibrahim Solih in twenty eighteen and returned for a bilateral visit in twenty nineteen. With President Muizzu extending the official invitation, PM Modi’s attendance at the Independence Day ceremony signals a renewed regional alignment and underscores India’s enduring influence in the Indian Ocean region. Beijing has long sought to pull the Maldives closer into its sphere of influence. Modi’s presence reminds the region—and the world—that India's bonds with its traditional allies are resilient and strategic.
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