Modi-Muizzu Meet: PM Calls Maldives India's 'Close Friend', Says We Have Acted As Good Neighbour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India's stance as a "close friend" of the Maldives, emphasising his government's 'neighbourhood first' foreign policy, which, he noted, has positioned India as a 'first responder' to financial and medical emergencies impacting the island nation. This included supplying Covid vaccines at the height of the pandemic.

The PM also highlighted the Maldives' crucial role in ensuring security in the Indian Ocean Region - a concern raised by several in the Indian government after Muizzu, perceived as a 'pro-China leader', won the presidential election last year on an 'India Out' plank.

"Whether it was essential commodities, vaccines during Covid, or drinking water... we have acted as a good neighbour," Modi said, adding that India had also inaugurated an airport, handed over 700 social housing units, and plans to support the construction of a new shipping port.

Referring to the drinking water project now operational across 28 Maldivian islands, Modi mentioned that over 30,000 people would now have access to clean water as a result.

The Indian PM's remarks came after hosting Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu for bilateral talks earlier in the afternoon. Visuals of the two leaders shaking hands and smiling warmly - following a ceremonial welcome by President Droupadi Murmu at Raj Bhavan - were widely shared on social media.

Meanwhile, President Muizzu once again called for the large-scale return of Indian tourists to the Maldives. Tourism is the island nation's main source of revenue, and it suffered a setback last year after Indian tourists cancelled reservations in protest against comments made by three Maldivian ministers about Prime Minister Modi. The Maldives Foreign Ministry distanced itself from those remarks.

The Maldivian President also expressed his hope to finalise a free trade agreement with India, aiming to increase investment in his country.

The Indian government has already assisted in establishing a significant drinking water and sewage facility in the Maldives - this was handed over by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar last month - and is also helping with road infrastructure development.

Earlier today, President Muizzu stressed that his country would not take any actions that could undermine India's security, viewing New Delhi as a "valued partner and friend."

Cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the field of defence, "will always be a priority", he told a leading English daily.

"Maldives would never do anything to undermine the security of India. While we strengthen cooperation with other countries in various sectors, we remain committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region..." he told The Times of India in a detailed interview yesterday.

This marks Muizzu's first bilateral visit, and the comments reflect the growing camaraderie following last year's months-long diplomatic rift over remarks made by three Maldivian ministers about Prime Minister Modi, after a social media post suggested Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

Additionally, a request in May - weeks before attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony - for the removal of 90 military personnel stationed at three aviation platforms gifted by India, also raised concerns.

Delhi honoured the request, replacing the military personnel with "competent technical" staff.

The withdrawal of Indian military personnel and the "India Out" agenda were considered key aspects of Muizzu's election campaign. Addressing these matters, the Maldivian President explained that he "did what the people of the Maldives asked of me", but emphasised that India remains a key partner in efforts to ensure regional stability.

He denied having an 'India Out' agenda, clarifying that "the people of the Maldives do not want a foreign soldier in their country".