Indian Prime Minister Modi to Visit Maldives During Independence Day Holiday, Indian Media Reports

Indian media reports suggest a strong possibility that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit the Maldives over the upcoming Independence Day holiday in July.

According to the Times of India, Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu extended the invitation through Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel during an official visit to India last week. The Indian government is reportedly considering the invitation favourably.

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If confirmed, the visit would be Modi’s first trip to the Maldives since President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. Diplomatic relations between the two countries had faced tension early in Muizzu’s presidency, particularly after his administration demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives—a key pledge of his electoral campaign. The move prompted some international media to characterise his administration as leaning towards China.

Tensions escalated further when three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Modi and India on social media, in response to a campaign promoting India’s Lakshadweep Islands as a tourist alternative to the Maldives. The episode sparked calls in India to boycott Maldivian tourism.

In the same period, following a state visit to China, President Muizzu told the media that the Maldives was not any country’s “backyard” and should not be intimidated due to its size.

Despite these challenges, both governments have expressed interest in maintaining diplomatic ties. High-level engagements have taken place to ease tensions, including President Muizzu’s attendance at Modi’s swearing-in ceremony for a third term and a subsequent state visit to India.

Bilateral relations between the Maldives and India were particularly strong under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. During his tenure, Prime Minister Modi visited the Maldives on multiple occasions, including to attend Solih’s inauguration. Solih also awarded Modi the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, one of the highest honours conferred by the Maldivian state.