As Deep as the Ocean: What PM Modi Said about India–Maldives Relations After Talks with President Muizzu

On Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India and the Maldives were celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations this year and the bond between the two nations can be said to be as deep as the ocean and is as old as history.

Replying to a joint press conference with the Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, PM Modi said, “This year, India and the Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. But the roots of our ties are as old as history and as deep as the ocean.”

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“The commemorative postal stamp released today, featuring the traditional watercraft of both countries, reflects that we are not just neighbours but fellow travellers,” he added.

Reaffirming New Delhi’s regional commitment, the Prime Minister said, “India is the Maldives’ closest neighbour. The Maldives holds an important place in both India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its Vision MAHASAGAR. India is proud to be the Maldives’ most trusted friend.”

PM Modi announces support of India to Maldives on defence

The PM Modi also re-assured the Maldives of continued cooperation by India in developing the defence abilities of the Maldives.

“India will always support the Maldives to strengthen its defence capabilities,” he said after holding talks with President Muizzu.

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Modi added that increasing the security partnership between the two countries depicts the extent of trust between the two countries. “Mutual cooperation in the field of defence and security is a testament to mutual trust,” the Prime Minister said.

He also declared a huge investment in the island nation saying, “We have decided to provide a line of credit of USD 565 million to the Maldives.”

To strengthen investment ties, PM Modi added, “India and Maldives will work towards finalising a bilateral investment treaty.”

He indicated that both countries had already started their negotiations on a wider economic relationship on the issue of trade.

The two-day visit to the Maldives by Prime Minister Modi is not very long after his UK trip, and it is notable that President Muizzu who came into power in the year 2023 campaigned using India Out.

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