Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called India a “valued partner” during his first state visit to New Delhi, aiming to repair relations that were strained by his anti-India rhetoric during the election campaign. Muizzu, who has a pro-China stance, campaigned to remove Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, which raised concerns over the traditionally strong ties between the two Indian Ocean nations.
However, after winning the election in late 2023, Muizzu indicated a willingness to engage with India. This gesture was met with a positive response from New Delhi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the Maldives as a “key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region” in its statement announcing Muizzu’s five-day visit, which began on Sunday.
But what has driven Muizzu to visit India, and what could it mean for India-Maldives relations?
What Was on the Agenda for Muizzu’s Visit?
During his visit, Muizzu received a red carpet welcome and held discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials. According to India’s foreign office, they discussed energy, trade, financial linkages, and defense cooperation, with a particular focus on a free trade agreement.
India also agreed to support the Maldives’ economy by approving a $400 million currency swap agreement, which Muizzu hailed as a crucial step toward addressing the country’s foreign exchange issues. Additionally, both leaders virtually inaugurated a new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Maldives.
Why is the Maldives President Visiting India Now?
The Maldives is facing a significant budget deficit and a looming debt crisis. The country, which borrowed heavily from China during the term of former President Abdulla Yameen, now owes Beijing $1.37 billion. Its foreign reserves have dwindled to $440 million, leaving the country at risk of defaulting on debt repayments.
While Muizzu has signed infrastructure and climate agreements with China during a visit to Beijing earlier this year, he has made efforts to maintain cordial ties with India. Historically, the Maldives has fostered strong relations with New Delhi, a key source of credit for the island nation.
Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, noted that Muizzu has been trying to strike a balance between China and India. While he leans towards strengthening defense cooperation with China, Muizzu continues to prioritize commercial and economic ties with India.
The Maldivian economy, heavily reliant on tourism, took a major hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained relations with India. In 2023, over 200,000 Indians visited the Maldives, but the number of visitors has dropped by 42% this year following Muizzu’s election. India remains a major trade partner for the Maldives, making it essential for Muizzu to rebuild ties.
The ‘India Out’ Campaign and Its Impact
Muizzu’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), alongside its ally the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), had campaigned under the slogan “India Out,” promising to remove a small contingent of Indian troops from the Maldives. They argued that the presence of Indian soldiers posed a threat to the country’s sovereignty.
In 2020, Mohamed Saeed, a senior leader of the PNC, stated that the Maldives did not oppose India as a country, but objected to the military presence. According to New Delhi, Indian forces were operating helicopters and aircraft donated to the Maldives, but opposition parties expressed fears that a permanent Indian military base might be established.
A leaked document claimed that an India-funded dockyard for the Maldivian coastguard could be used by Indian naval vessels for years, sparking further controversy. Opposition leaders questioned why such a crucial agreement had not been debated in parliament, accusing the previous government of making secret defense deals with India—charges that were firmly denied.
Despite these tensions, the Maldives government has consistently referred to India as the country’s “closest ally and trusted neighbor.” The statement, issued in November, emphasized India’s assistance in areas such as search and rescue missions and casualty evacuations, affirming the continued importance of the bilateral relationship.
Muizzu’s visit to India could mark a pivotal moment in rebalancing these ties, especially as both nations explore avenues for economic and security cooperation.
