The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives on 25-26 July 2025, marks a defining moment in the recalibration of India-Maldives relations. His presence as the Guest of Honour at the island nation’s 60th Independence Day celebrations not only reaffirmed India’s traditional support for a close maritime neighbour but also symbolised the steady recovery of a relationship that had faced turbulence in recent years.

The timing, optics, and substance of the visit reflect the mutual recognition of strategic interests and the need for regional cooperation amid a shifting geo-political landscape in the Indian Ocean. Historically, India has enjoyed friendly ties with the Maldives, particularly since the island nation gained independence from British rule in 1965. India was among the first countries to recognize Maldives’ in – dependence and has consistently played a pivotal role in its development journey. Bilateral relations remained largely stable during the initial decades, driven by geographical proximity, cultural affinities, and security imperatives. However, the advent of mu – l tiparty democracy in the Maldives introduced political complexities that affected its external relationships, including with India. The oscillation of power between political parties ~ parti – cularly between the India-friendly Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and other more nationalist or externally influenced factions ~ brought periods of both warmth and frost.

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Relations between India and the Maldives reached a new low following the ascent of President Mohamed Muizzu, who rose to power on the back of an “India Out” campaign. His administration adopted a markedly different foreign policy posture compared to his predecessors. One of his first acts in office was to formally request the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives ~ a demand that, though eventually managed diplomatically by India through replacement with civilian staff, signalled a clear departure from the “India First” policy. The early signs of Muizzu’s presidency were therefore worrying for New........

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