Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is on a five-day visit to India, where discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have led to several announcements regarding bilateral cooperation. The visit comes at a time when relations between the two nations have been strained since Muizzu's election in November 2023, which marked a shift from the previous 'India First' policy.
Upon arrival in New Delhi, Muizzu was welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, and formal receptions were held at the President's House. Notably, Modi refrained from the customary embrace, opting only for a handshake, which has raised eyebrows given his history of warm greetings with world leaders.
During their meeting at Hyderabad House, Modi emphasized India's role as a 'first responder' in times of crisis for the Maldives, highlighting assistance during water shortages and COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Muizzu reaffirmed Maldives' commitment to peace and development in the region.
Both leaders announced the initiation of discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the establishment of diplomatic missions in Bengaluru and Addu City. The backdrop of this visit includes previous tensions, such as the expulsion of Indian military personnel and the signing of a military assistance agreement with China.
In recent months, the Muizzu administration has taken steps to mend ties with India, including a visit from Maldives' Foreign Minister Musa Zameer to discuss cooperation in various sectors. Experts suggest that the current visit signifies a potential thaw in relations, with agreements on currency exchange and support for economic diversification in the Maldives.
The Maldives is facing an economic crisis, with foreign debt reaching $3.37 billion, equivalent to 45% of its GDP. India has pledged to assist with a currency swap agreement, providing $400 million and 30 billion rupees in aid. Analysts believe this cooperation is crucial for both nations, indicating a mutual recognition of their interdependence.
As the situation develops, the global community watches closely, anticipating further actions that could reshape the dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.