Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male for a two-day state visit to the Maldives on Friday. President Mohamed Muizzu personally welcomed Modi at the airport despite having campaigned on an anti-India platform before taking office in November 2023. A large portrait of the Indian leader adorned the Maldives Defence Ministry building during his arrival. Modi will serve as guest of honor at Saturday's 60th independence anniversary celebrations. This visit marks his third trip to the island nation since 2018.
The diplomatic relationship spans six decades, with bilateral trade reaching 500 million dollars annually. Both nations pursue negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and investment treaty. India maintains its position as a major development partner through the Greater Male connectivity project. The infrastructure initiative will link four islands and transform the capital region. Defense cooperation continues through training programs and naval exercises between the two countries.
The diplomatic relationship spans six decades, with bilateral trade reaching 500 million dollars annually. Both nations pursue negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and investment treaty. India maintains its position as a major development partner through the Greater Male connectivity project. The infrastructure initiative will link four islands and transform the capital region. Defense cooperation continues through training programs and naval exercises between the two countries.
