Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the island nation will improve tourism from India and reinforce diplomatic relations between the two countries. “When relations are strong, everyone benefits. I believe that the Prime Minister’s visit will further boost Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives,” Nasheed told ANI. PM Modi will visit the Maldives from July 25 to 26 as the Guest of Honour at the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations.
Indian-Funded Airport to Improve Connectivity
Nasheed praised the nearly completed Hanimadu Airport project, which is being developed with India’s financial support. He said the airport will enhance travel between southern Indian cities and northern Maldives. “Hanimadu Airport would be just a little over an hour from most of the southern Indian cities. There is a big opportunity for both countries to benefit,” he said.
India Helped Prevent Maldives’ Economic Crisis
Highlighting the importance of India’s support, Nasheed credited New Delhi for helping the Maldives avoid a financial collapse during tough times. “If not for India, we would have gone default,” he said.
He further added, “Indian assistance and partnership in the Maldives are deeply valued and have played a critical role during our challenging times. With mounting financial difficulties and substantial debt repayment obligations, India’s timely support helped us avoid default and maintain stability.”
Partnership Built on Trust and Regional Solidarity
Nasheed emphasized that the India-Maldives partnership is founded on trust, mutual respect, and regional cooperation. He acknowledged that political shifts in the Maldives sometimes led to changes in foreign policy, but said the current approach is more consistent. “We have always maintained an India-first foreign policy in the Maldives. But in the past, election cycles have sometimes caused our foreign policy to swing between a strong pro-China stance and a strong pro-India stance,” he noted. “Today, unlike before, across the spectrum of Maldivian politics, the approach is firmly India-first.”
PM Modi’s Visit Reaffirms Strategic Commitment
Nasheed said PM Modi’s visit demonstrates India’s ongoing strategic interest in the Maldives, especially considering the country’s important location in the Indian Ocean. The visit is also expected to reset relations between the two nations, which had faced some diplomatic strain in recent months.
PM Modi’s Statement Before the Visit
In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi confirmed his travel plans and expressed his honour to attend the Independence Day celebrations. “Day after tomorrow, 25th July, I will be in the Maldives at the invitation of the President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. I am honoured to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This year we also mark 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The talks with President Muizzu will certainly add momentum to bilateral ties across diverse sectors.” During the visit, PM Modi is expected to review progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
