New Delhi, July 22 (TVW News): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day State Visit to the Maldives from July 25 to 26, with a strategic focus on deepening economic, security, and diplomatic ties with the island nation. This visit, undertaken at the invitation of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, marks PM Modi’s third visit to the Maldives and the first by any Head of State or Government during Muizzu’s presidency that began in November 2023.
During the visit, India and Maldives are expected to discuss the possibility of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and an Investment Treaty, signaling a new chapter in bilateral economic cooperation. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the move will further solidify India’s commitment to enhancing peace, prosperity, and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Key Agenda and Strategic Objectives
PM Modi will participate as the Guest of Honour at the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives on July 26, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
As part of the diplomatic agenda, both leaders will review progress on the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024. Key discussions are expected to revolve around development partnerships, strategic infrastructure projects, and enhanced regional maritime cooperation.
Strengthening Economic & Development Ties
India is among the largest trading partners of Maldives, with current bilateral trade reaching nearly $500 million. New areas of collaboration under discussion include renewable energy, fisheries, infrastructure, and capacity-building programs.
A flagship development project, the Greater Male Connectivity Project, is underway with Indian support. This mega infrastructure initiative will link four islands in the Maldives and is poised to be a gamechanger in regional connectivity.
India has extended various financial assistance tools to Maldives, including concessional lines of credit, grant-based funding, and buyer’s credit. India has also supported the construction of roads, airports, fisheries processing units, and social housing projects, aligned with Maldivian national priorities.
Boosting Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation
India and Maldives share a robust defence and security partnership. India continues to assist the Maldives through joint naval exercises, capacity-building programs, and maritime domain awareness support, including the provision of ships and surveillance assets.
Both countries actively collaborate under the Colombo Security Conclave, an initiative focused on ensuring regional maritime security and responding to non-traditional security threats.
Regular High-Level Engagements
The year 2025 has already seen multiple high-level exchanges between the two nations. These include ministerial visits from Maldivian officials overseeing finance, defence, foreign affairs, and health, as well as a parliamentary delegation visit to India.
The High-Level Core Group (HLCG), constituted to oversee the implementation of the bilateral joint vision, has already met twice this year—in Male and New Delhi—demonstrating the commitment to swift execution of strategic goals.
A Pillar of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and MAHASAGAR Vision
Foreign Secretary Misri emphasized that Maldives holds a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its broader Vision MAHASAGAR, which aims to promote peace and cooperation across the Indian Ocean Region.
“India has consistently responded to the needs of Maldives—be it during natural disasters or development challenges,” Misri noted. “The Prime Minister’s upcoming visit reinforces our enduring partnership and shared vision for a secure and prosperous IOR.”
