(Namo arrives in Maldives; The India-Maldives joint vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership'. finalised in 2024, is the pillar for renewed bilateral bonds)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has crossed yet other political milestone, overtaking Indira Gandhi's record to become India's second longest serving Prime Minister in a single uninterrupted term.
On July 25, 2025, PM Modi completed 4,078 days in office, pushing past Indira Gandhi's 4,077-day consecutive tenure between January 1966 and March 1977.
Modi arrives in Male, Maldives, to a warm welcome by President Mohamed Muizzu
The country's Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and Minister of Homeland Security were also present to receive the PM on his arrival.
President Muizzu invited PM Modi to attend the 60th National Day celebrations as a chief guest.
Modi's visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.
The Prime Minister embarked on a two-day visit to the Maldives, concluding his visit to the United Kingdom.
PM Modi’s visit to the Maldives is significant, as it marks his first since bilateral ties were strained by the “India Out” campaign led by some Maldivian leaders and President Muizzu’s pro-China tilt.
A large section of Indian diaspora welcomed Modi in Malé.
G Balasubramanian, India’s high commissioner to the Maldives, underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, describing the Maldives as a key partner in India's Neighbourhood First policy and its MAHASAGAR vision for regional security and growth.
It may be stated that the Maldives has dramatically shifted its diplomatic stance towards India, moving from an 'India Out' campaign to a renewed partnership focused on economic collaboration and security.
President Muizzu is now prioritising pragmatic relations, signalling a significant change in foreign policy.
File snap: Narendra Modi with President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu during COP28 in UAE in 2023
PM Modi’s visit to the island nation marks a significant shift in India-Maldives relations, especially since President Muizzu became President of the island nation in September 2023.
Since taking office, the Maldives under Muizzu adopted a policy aimed at strengthening relations with China and in a way reducing dependence on India. This approach was influenced by Muizzu and his party’s ‘India Out’ campaign, domestic politics, and pro-China tilt.
However, things have been changed and npw there is a pragmatic approach from both sides.
In December 2023, Modi met Muizzu in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the sidelines of the COP-28 summit. Also, India responded positively to Muizzu’s request to withdraw troops. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Maldivian counterpart on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in January 2024.
This despite derogatory remarks by some Maldivian ministers against Modi and Muizzu, labelling India a ‘bully’.
“Given the new complexities and necessities, both India and the Maldives are employing pragmatism, emphasis on quality, and non-partisanship to shape the course of the relationship,” wrote Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy in an article.
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