‘PM Modi to Attend Maldives’
Independence Day, Signals Regional Reset
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Maldives on July 25-26, 2025, to attend the country’s 60th Independence Day celebrations. This visit marks a strategic diplomatic outreach to reset bilateral ties following recent tensions between India and Maldives.
Key Aspects:
- PM Modi invited as Guest of Honour for Maldives Independence Day national celebrations and military parade.
- High-level meeting expected between PM Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
- Defence Cooperation Reset: Indian military personnel earlier withdrawn; replaced by civilian technical staff to manage Indian-donated aircraft.
- The visit has re-emphasized regional ties and diplomatic engagement.
India-Maldives Relations
- Maldives’ position along key sea lanes of communication makes it crucial for India’s maritime security and influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India has extended lines of credit, budgetary support, and infrastructure grants for major projects like roads, ports, housing, and water sanitation.
- India provides radar systems, Dornier aircraft, helicopters, and capacity-building support to Maldivian defence forces. Joint exercises like “EKATHA” and patrols highlight the close maritime collaboration.
- India has played a first responder role in times of crisis. Operation NEER (2014) to supply drinking water, COVID-19 aid under Vaccine Maitri, medical evacuation support
- Relations strained under President Abdulla Yameen (2013-18) due to increasing Chinese investments and military engagement, raising India’s security concerns.
- Strong cultural, educational, and medical linkages; many Maldivians travel to India for treatment and education.
- Political rhetoric in Maldives over “India Out” campaign caused tension; however, diplomatic engagement has continued with emphasis on mutual respect and sovereignty.
- India views Maldives as part of its “Neighbourhood First” and “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiatives to maintain stability in the IOR.
About Maldives
- An archipelagic island nation consisting of around 1,190 coral islands grouped in 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean.
- Situated southwest of India and Sri Lanka, making it strategically important for maritime security.
- Acts as a key node in the Indian Ocean maritime routes, essential for India’s security and shipping lanes.
- A presidential republic with a multi-party political system.
- Primarily driven by tourism, fishing, and construction; highly dependent on imports and foreign aid.
- Often at the center of India-China rivalry in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India is a key development and security partner, providing infrastructure aid, defence support, and disaster
What is Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
A maritime region that includes coastal states of the Indian Ocean – from East Africa to Southeast Asia.
Strategic Importance:
- Facilitates over 80% of global oil trade.
- Home to key choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Strait of Malacca.
- Major Actors: India, China, USA, Australia, and regional powers like Indonesia, South Africa.
- Security Concerns: Piracy, terrorism, illegal fishing, and China’s growing naval presence.
India’s Role: Seeks to act as the net security provider through initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association).
About Neighborhood First Policy
A foreign policy approach prioritizing India’s immediate neighbours for development, peace, and stability.
Key Objectives
- Enhance economic integration and regional connectivity.
- Promote mutual security cooperation, disaster response, and people-to-people ties.
- Countries Covered: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
Initiatives are Infrastructure projects (e.g., ports, railways), humanitarian assistance, scholarships, digital cooperation.
Recent Examples: Supply of COVID-19 vaccines to neighbours under Vaccine Maitri; rescue missions and financial aid to Sri Lanka and Maldives.