‘Maldives Holds Special Place In Our Policy’: Envoy Details PM Modi’s Trip To Mark 60 Years Of Ties
India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, has underlined the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming two-day visit to the island nation, stressing that New Delhi’s relationship with Malé remains “independent of any third-party influence”. The visit, scheduled for 25–26 July, coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ Independence Day and six decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
In an interview with IANS, Balasubramanian highlighted the growing partnership and outlined key events and agreements expected during the trip.
‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy at the Core: India’s High Commissioner
Calling the visit “a very important” milestone, Balasubramanian said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the Maldives on the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of their Independence Day. He’s coming on July 25 and will be leaving on July 26.”
He noted that this would be Modi’s third visit to the Maldives as Prime Minister, following trips in 2018 and 2019. He added, “This is also the first time the Maldives has invited someone to be the guest of honour for the Independence Day celebrations since 2017.”
Responding to a question on Chinese influence in the region, the envoy said, “Our relationship with any country is a stand-alone relationship. It is independent of the relationship that another country has or what we have with other countries. Our relationship with the Maldives is based on historical friendship and geographical neighbourhood.”
The High Commissioner revealed that several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering commerce, health, finance, and fisheries are likely to be signed during Modi’s visit. “After attending the Independence Day event on July 26, he would be having bilateral meetings with President Muizzu. Other important events that he would be attending would be inaugurating some of the projects that we had undertaken, handing over of them, signing MOUs, and exchanging MOUs,” Balasubramanian explained.
The leaders will also review progress on the vision document announced during Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024, which focuses on economic and maritime security. A Free Trade Agreement is also under discussion, alongside cooperation in fintech, digital public infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals.
India One Of Largest Development Partners For Maldives: Balasubramanian
Balasubramanian pointed out India’s strong support for infrastructure and community projects in the Maldives, stating, “India has been one of the largest development partners for the Maldives. Since 2014, our assistance has been in terms of infrastructure development, capacity building or even emergency financial assistance in terms of currency swap and other things. The total financial assistance from 2014 is more than $3 billion.”
He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi would hand over around 4,000 housing units built with Indian assistance. “Many of the projects that we have undertaken in the Maldives are high-impact community development projects, which are done through grants from the Indian government,” he said.
Highlighting India’s contribution to tourism, he noted, “We are the sixth largest supplier of tourists to the Maldives. Indians are the sixth largest group of tourists who visit the Maldives. Last year, about 140,000 people visited the Maldives. This year, by June, more than 60,000 people have visited from India.”
The Prime Minister is also expected to meet members of the Indian diaspora, ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) alumni, and participants of the ‘Bharat Ko Janiye’ quiz as part of his private engagements.
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