Warm Welcome at the Airport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in the Maldives on Friday and received a grand ceremony at Velana International Airport. President Mohamed Muizzu greeted him with open arms and shared a brief embrace. Local artists sang traditional songs and the crowd chanted slogans in praise of the two nations. This moment set a hopeful tone for a visit that aims to build stronger bonds after a period of strain.
Turning a New Page in Relations
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Relations had been tense since Muizzu took office in November last year on a campaign that pushed India out. For months, remarks by some Maldivian officials had hurt both sides and led to calls for boycotts that cost tourism dollars firstpost.com The mood shifted when Muizzu visited India in October 2024. Both governments then agreed on a broad plan called the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. Since that visit, ties have improved step by step with meetings between diplomats and new pacts on trade and security.
Projects on the Ground
Modi’s two day stay will include handovers and openings of key projects built with Indian support. He will hand over some four thousand homes built under a buyer’s credit plan to help local families. Roads and staff housing will also get official launches.
Talks are set to begin on letting people use India’s UPI system to pay for goods and services in the Maldives. The leaders will also sign deals on power, health and education. Over the past three years trade between the nations more than doubled to over five hundred million dollars in 2023.
Economic Support and Strategy
India agreed to a four hundred million dollar swap that helped shore up the Maldives’ foreign reserves last month. That move showed India’s interest in stability in its neighborhood and gave breathing room for local trade and tourism.
Analysts say that this trend matches India’s policy of focusing on its near neighbours. It also shows that both sides see value in a wide mix of work on ports, energy and human resources.
Personal Analysis
I think this visit marks a real turn in ties. Both leaders have shown a wish to work with each other in clear ways. India brought help when it was needed and now it will stand by a partner that counts on its support. The big question will be if these plans get done on time and help people feel safer in their jobs and homes. Success will depend on steady follow up and open talk at every level.
Sources: Times of India
