Q. How do recent high-level meetings reflect the evolving India-Maldives relationship?

 Q. How do recent high-level meetings reflect the evolving India-Maldives relationship?

Answer . Recent high-level meetings between India and the Maldives reflect a complex, yet evolving relationship, moving from a period of strain towards renewed engagement and cooperation, particularly in economic and strategic sectors.

Key high-level meetings and their reflection on the evolving relationship include:

•Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s trip to New Delhi in October 2024: This visit marked a significant turning point, described as a "thaw in the relations". President Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings and initial demand for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel upon taking office in November 2023, vowed to boost bilateral ties with India during this trip. This engagement indicated a readiness from the Maldivian side to mend and strengthen the relationship after a period of severe strain. The Indian military personnel were subsequently replaced by civilians on a mutually agreed date.

•Visit by Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel to New Delhi on May 26: Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Foreign Minister Khaleel's visit aimed to explore ways to boost trade and strategic cooperation. This meeting also served to review the implementation of the comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, which had been agreed upon during President Muizzu’s trip in October 2024. This visit further underscored the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation following the previous strains.

 

•Meeting between India's Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal and Maldivian Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed on July 5, 2025: This recent meeting in Male highlighted a continued focus on economic collaboration and trade enhancement. Discussions centered on strengthening trade and investment partnerships and exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation between the two nations. This engagement demonstrates a practical, forward-looking approach to deepening economic ties, emphasizing areas like trade and investment. As part of recent efforts to attract Indian investment, business forums were also organized in three Indian cities to promote opportunities in the Maldives.

Despite the past strains, India continues to be a key development partner for the Maldives, contributing to infrastructure and capacity-building projects. New Delhi has also extended a $25.94 million currency swap facility to support the Maldivian economy.

The Maldives remains India’s key maritime neighbor and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions). These high-level meetings collectively reflect a concerted effort by both nations to move past recent difficulties and re-establish and strengthen their multifaceted relationship, particularly through economic and strategic cooperation.Top of Form