India and Maldives have been very complicated in the last two years. India Out was running strongly since the change of power in the Maldives. A large section stood up in opposition to Delhi, due to which the situation in the country had become very uncomfortable for India and from above, China’s increasing pressure was constantly full of headache for India.
But now what is the importance of India, it is coming to understand the Maldives on the whole of South Asia. Because of this, the focus of the current Mujju government is now on mutual cooperation and development and peace in the region instead of promoting mutual dispute. Male has understood that India is the only country that has always stood with him, no matter how opposite or good, and when it has not happened, they have faced a serious crisis.
Despite the anti -India policies of the Mujju government, India has greatly helped in strengthening the economy of Maldives in the last two years. The Reserve Bank of India assisted $ 400 million through currency swap to Maldives. The same State Bank of India also bought a $ 100 million treasury bonds so that the economy there remained strong.
Maldives-India is a historical partnership
There has been widespread support between Delhi and Male for a long time on trade, culture, tourism and security. Due to the location of Maldives and being on the very important shipping route, it has been a very important partner for India’s marine security.
After Maldives gained independence, India was the first country to establish its diplomatic relations. At the same time, when the coup was attempted in 1988 Maldives, India had saved the power there by launching the operation cactus, after which the relations between the two countries became even further intensified.
At the same time, when the situation there was stable after thwarting the coup of the coup, India called back its army. Due to which Maldives also ended the concerns of India’s increasing military dominance there. Even in 2004, India was the first country that helped the Maldives the most during the fierce tsunami in the Indian Ocean and the 2014 water crisis.
India stood with Male in every difficult time. The complete help during the Corona epidemic in 2020. When the people of Maldives needed any need, then India followed neighboring religion.
India also launched several development projects in Maldives, in which a large contribution in the development of housing, infrastructure and also provided scholarships to the students there. This made the relationship between the two countries very deepened.
What is India Out Campaign which was led by Mujju
The ‘India Out’ movement run by opposition parties in Maldives accused India of interfering in the internal affairs and security matters of the Maldives. He claimed that India’s military presence was a threat to the sovereignty of Maldives. However, the truth was that the Indian security forces were involved in relief and rescue operations in the Maldives.
In February 2021, External Affairs Minister S.K. During Jaishankar’s visit, India and Maldives agreed to construct the Uthuru Thilafalh (UTF) port. The project will strengthen the capacity of Maldives Coast Guard and partnership in development and security between the two countries. At the same time, India also gave a loan of $ 50 million to Maldives for the purchase of weapons. But some anti -India groups propagated that Indian soldiers are deployed at patrol ships given by India. Former Defense Minister Maria Didi dismissed this claim, saying that Indian soldiers were only there for training and now the vessels are completely under the control of Maldives.
After President Muizzu came to power, Maldives began to distance from India and adopted a stand close to China. Muizu gave the slogan of ‘India Out’ in his election campaign. With which he wanted to reduce India’s influence in the country. After Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep in January 2024, the relationship between the two countries became more tense. The derogatory remarks made by the three sub-ministers of Mujju against Modi on social media further spoiled the situation. India expressed displeasure over this and summoned the Ambassador of Maldives. However, the Maldives government said that these comments were individual and the ministers concerned were suspended. Subsequently, many people and celebrities in India appealed to boycott the visit to Maldives.
Maldives’s deteriorating economic condition changed the situation
However, Maldives’s deteriorating economic condition promoted President Mujju’s soft attitude towards India. In August 2024, Mujju admitted during an event that India has always been the closest and valuable partner of Maldives. Who has helped whenever needed.
To handle the declining foreign exchange reserves of Maldives and increasing import expenses, the currency exchange agreement was signed between India and the Reserve Bank of India in October 2024. Under this, Maldives received a access to US $ 400 million and ₹ 3,000 crore Indian rupees under the SAARC structure (2024–2027). Subsequently, at the request of the Maldives government in May 2025, the $ 50 million Treasury Bill was carried forward and in March 2025 India promised to assist a grant of $ 69 million.
In early 2025, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Khalil and Defense Minister Ghasan Maumoon’s visit to India proved to be an important step towards reforming the relationship between the two countries. Khalil said in an interview that the current government is completely different from former President Abdulla Yameen’s ‘India Out’ campaign. He also said that the government will now keep itself completely different from the anti -India comments of any leader, whether the leader is the government or the opposition.
Defense Minister Ghasan Maumoon also admitted during his visit to India that whenever Maldives faced a crisis, then India always came forward to help first. India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also said that there has been new energy in relations with defense talks between India-Maldives. India has reiterated its commitment to increase the defense capacity of the Maldives, including supply of defense equipment and training of soldiers.
In addition, India announced a 4 million grant of US $ 4 million to give some necessary equipment to the Maldives’ National Defense Army. Despite the stresses, the Mujju government understood that maintaining good relations with India is strategically and economically important.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative and high -level talks between the two countries gave a new twist to the relationship. These initiatives, which preferred business, security, and development, brought both countries closer. Male’s practical attitude is in line with the security and development policy for all in India’s neighbor and all in the region.
Partners such as skill development, scholarships, and digital payments have further strengthened India’s image as a true partner in the development of Maldives. From ‘India Out’ to ‘Modi in’, the change shows how strong and flexible the India-Maldive relations are.
India has maintained its reliable partnership in the Maldives through cultural engagement, strategic patience and economic diplomacy. However, balanced the domestic politics of Male and China’s influence is still a challenge. But this new partnership is a strong step towards the future shared prosperity and the safety of the Indian Ocean region.
