Maldives Resets And Returns To India’s Strategic Fold

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – The optics were impossible to ignore. A massive portrait of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Maldives Defense Ministry building in Malé marked the start of his two-day state visit on July 25—an image that would have been unthinkable just a year ago under President Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier stance.

Only two years ago, Muizzu swept to power on a wave of anti-India sentiment, anchored in the “India Out” campaign. His administration took steps to recalibrate Malé’s foreign policy, signaling a strategic shift toward China. This included early visits to Ankara and Beijing while breaking tradition by bypassing New Delhi in his inaugural international trips.

India’s response, however, was deliberately low-key. Despite the provocations—public criticism from Maldivian ministers and Muizzu’s demand for Indian military personnel to leave—the Modi government avoided confrontation. It chose quiet diplomacy over punitive reaction. Troop withdrawal was granted without fuss, and New Delhi refrained from treating Malé as a difficult partner in the region.

This steady approach appears to have paid off. Muizzu personally welcomed Modi at the airport on July 25, a gesture of political significance, especially given the backdrop of the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence and six decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Modi’s role as Guest of Honor at the national celebrations on July 26 underscores how far bilateral relations have rebounded.

Analysts see this as a turning point. India’s strategic patience, built on long-term trust and regional reliability, has repositioned it as Malé’s indispensable partner. “In the marketplace of friends, there’s no one who can match what India brings to the table,” said a former diplomat, pointing to India’s consistent presence in times of crisis—be it natural disasters, public health emergencies, or maritime security threats.

“The relationship with the Maldives is comprehensive and multifaceted. It’s been paid attention to by leadership at the highest levels and we believe that this visit by the Prime Minister will contribute further to consolidating these strong ties and contribute to peace, prosperity and security in the Indian Ocean Region that both of us inhabit,” Foreign Secretary Misri stated during a special media briefing held in New Delhi. (with inputs from IANS)