Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly considering a visit to the Maldives next month, coinciding with the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations. According to The Times of India, Modi is favourably reviewing an invitation extended by the current Maldivian administration.
The Maldives celebrates its Independence Day on July 26.
Should the visit materialise, it would mark Modi’s first official visit to the Maldives under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s leadership. The potential visit follows a diplomatic push by Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Khaleel, who reaffirmed the government’s invitation during his official trip to India last week.
However, the Indian government has not confirmed whether Modi will accept this invitation.
Relations between India and the Maldives experienced strain shortly after President Muizzu assumed office, largely due to contentious remarks made by several political appointees of the current administration. These tensions contributed to a significant decline in Indian tourist arrivals, as calls for a boycott gained traction.
A central promise of President Muizzu’s election campaign was to ensure the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel from Maldivian territory. At a press conference held on 3 May in honour of World Press Freedom Day, President Muizzu confirmed that no Indian soldiers remain in the Maldives. However, he acknowledged that some Indian civilian staff continue to operate the Dornier aircraft previously donated by India.
President Muizzu has consistently emphasised that his stance stems from a commitment to national sovereignty and the widespread desire among Maldivians for non-interference in domestic affairs. He maintains that the absence of foreign military personnel is essential to safeguarding the independence of the Maldives.
Should Prime Minister Modi’s visit go ahead, it could signal a potential turning point in bilateral relations, paving the way for renewed cooperation and mutual understanding between the two neighbouring nations.
