When President Mohamed Muizzu, riding the “India Out” campaign, rose to power in the Maldives in September 2023, he signalled a clear intent to politically distance Malé from New Delhi. His January 2024 visit to China and his call for India to withdraw troops from the Maldives complicated ties with India. In this context, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the island nation to attend its Independence Day celebrations, during which several economic agreements were signed and projects inaugurated, marks a significant turnaround in bilateral relations after a period of strain.

The Maldives is a key pillar of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. Beyond deep-rooted cultural ties and a history of friendly........

© Indian Express