PM Modi meets Maldives opposition leaders to reaffirm bipartisan ties
New Delhi, Jul 26: On the second day of his official visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level meetings and interactions with Maldivian leaders across the political spectrum, reaffirming India’s enduring commitment to its maritime neighbour and a shared vision of regional stability, development, and democratic cooperation. In a significant outreach gesture, Prime Minister Modi met with leaders of various political parties in Malé. The discussions, held on the occasion of the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day, centred around consolidating people-to-people ties and reaffirming the bilateral commitment to a strong and resilient India–Maldives partnership.
“The participation of leaders across the political spectrum underscores the bipartisan support for the strong and time-tested India-Maldives friendship. Our shared values continue to guide this important partnership,” PM Modi said in a message on X.
The Prime Minister also held a separate meeting with former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed, who has been a vocal advocate for close India-Maldives ties, expressed his appreciation for New Delhi’s continued developmental assistance and strategic support. PM Modi, in turn, conveyed warm wishes to the Maldives on its Independence Day, with both sides acknowledging the depth of people-to-people connections.
Reinforcing parliamentary ties, Prime Minister Modi met with Mr. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis. The discussions focused on institutional cooperation and the long-standing relationship between the two legislatures. In his social media post, PM Modi described the meeting as productive and welcomed the formation of the India–Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group under the 20th Majlis as “a welcome step for bilateral ties.”
India also reiterated its commitment to supporting institutional and capacity-building efforts in the Maldives. Speaker Abdulla conveyed his gratitude for India’s continued efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in areas crucial for Maldivian governance and development.
Earlier on July 25, PM Modi and Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu jointly inaugurated the new Ministry of Defence headquarters in Malé. Constructed with Indian financial assistance, the state-of-the-art 11-storey building overlooking the Indian Ocean is seen as a tangible symbol of the strong defence and security cooperation between the two countries. The building is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of Maldivian defence and law enforcement agencies and marks a continued investment by India in regional maritime stability.
The two-day state visit has been marked by the announcement of major bilateral initiatives, including a ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit (LoC) extended by India and the easing of Maldives’ annual debt servicing obligations on earlier GoI-funded LoCs. This financial support is expected to provide fiscal relief to the Maldivian government amid ongoing economic challenges.
Eight MoUs and agreements were signed on July 25, covering infrastructure, housing, digital connectivity, trade, and health. India remains one of Maldives' largest development partners. India's defence cooperation with the Maldives remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations, including supply of defence equipment, training, and participation in joint maritime exercises. Both countries also coordinate closely in regional security groupings such as the Colombo Security Conclave.
