News DeskAs Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a landmark state visit to the Maldives on July 25–26, 2025, to mark the nation’s 60th Independence Day, Etruth presents a series of articles celebrating the enduring India-Maldives partnership. This collection highlights India’s vital support, from economic aid to transformative infrastructure, fostering resilience and shared prosperity.
In the azure sweep of the Indian Ocean, where trade routes and geopolitical currents intertwine, India’s bond with the Maldives exemplifies a diplomacy rooted in trust and collaboration. This partnership, grounded in shared aspirations and mutual support, highlights India’s role as a steady anchor for regional stability, fostering prosperity through cooperation rather than competition. Through infrastructure projects, financial aid, and security collaboration, India is not only strengthening ties with its island neighbour but also weaving a broader tapestry of regional unity.
The Maldives has long been a priority in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. As Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian noted, “We consider Maldives as one of the most important neighbours that India has.”
This sentiment reflects India’s broader vision of a cooperative Indian Ocean Region, where shared goals trump geopolitical rivalries. “Our prime minister has very clearly mentioned that the diplomatic outreach of India is based on the Neighbourhood First policy, and within that policy, he has very clearly mentioned that Maldives occupies a very special place,” Mr. Balasubramanian while speaking to a local media outlet added, emphasizing the unique bond between the two nations.
This bond is evident in India’s multifaceted support for the Maldives. From modernizing coastal surveillance systems to combat transnational threats like piracy and drug trafficking, India has bolstered the Maldives’ capacity to secure its waters. Joint training programs for the Maldives National Defence Force and intelligence-sharing initiatives have further deepened this collaboration, ensuring the archipelago remains a resilient hub in a volatile region.
“The Government and people of Maldives extend our deep gratitude to Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Government, and friendly people of India for their generous and continued assistance to the Maldives,” President Muizzu.
“The aid and financial assistance provided by our bilateral partners, particularly India, have been instrumental,” said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during state visit to India. “India has always been one of our closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever we need it.”
Economic cooperation is another cornerstone of the relationship. India’s Line of Credit facility has fuelled transformative infrastructure projects, including the ambitious Greater Male’ Connectivity Project, which promises to reshape the Maldives’ economic landscape.
Economic collaboration is a cornerstone of the relationship. India’s Line of Credit facility has fuelled transformative projects, notably the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project. During a joint press event in New Delhi on October 7, 2024, standing next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Muizzu said, “I am pleased to note that the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project will transform the economic landscape of the Maldives, for which we are extremely grateful to India.” He also expressed appreciation for India’s flexibility, noting, “We are also grateful for the flexibility shown in restructuring the Line of Credit facility and the scheme.”
Such gestures underscore India’s commitment to empowering its neighbour while respecting its sovereignty. The recent introduction of India’s RuPay card service in the Maldives marks another milestone in this partnership, fostering financial integration and easing transactions for Indian tourists—a vital source of revenue for the Maldivian economy.
“I’m pleased to announce that earlier today, alongside His Excellency Prime Minister Modi, we witnessed the introduction of the RuPay card service in the Maldives,” President Muizzu said In new Delhi, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving these initiatives.
India’s approach contrasts with the more assertive strategies of other global powers vying for influence in the Indian Ocean. By prioritizing partnership over control, India has cultivated a relationship that Honors Maldivian autonomy while advancing shared interests. “This is an affirmation from the part of the Government of India that our relationship is special and will continue to be special,” Mr. Balasubramanian affirmed, signalling India’s long-term commitment. Yet, the relationship has not been without challenges.
Domestic political shifts require India to navigate complex dynamics with care. Through consistent dialogue and a focus on mutual benefits, India has maintained trust, proving the resilience of this partnership.
“The Government and people of Maldives extend our deep gratitude to Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Government, and friendly people of India for their generous and continued assistance to the Maldives,” President Muizzu said, a testament to the enduring goodwill.
As global uncertainties loom, India’s engagement with the Maldives offers a blueprint for regional cooperation. By blending strategic foresight with compassion, India is not only countering external pressures but also laying the foundation for lasting prosperity. “Many transformative projects are currently underway under this scheme, and we hope to expedite them to deliver their benefits to our communities,” President Muizzu noted, reflecting optimism about the future. In an era of competing global ambitions, the India-Maldives partnership stands as a quiet anchor in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating that true strength lies in fostering stability and goodwill. Through its steadfast support, India is not just a neighbour but a trusted ally, shaping a future where cooperation and mutual respect ripple across the waves.
