A new twist in relations between India and Maldives came out when Maldives President Mohammad Mujju described India as its closest partner country after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. Mujju, who once to power with slogans like ‘India Out’, is now appreciating the cooperation from India. During the historic visit of PM Modi, India announced to provide a new credit line (financial assistance) of Rs 5,000 crore to Maldives, which President Muizu has said to be very important for the development of Maldives.

What did President Mujju say on the relationship with India?

In a conversation with News18, President Mujju said that Maldives is now moving towards completing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. He said that when this agreement is reached, the traders of both countries will benefit greatly. Maldives will use the assistance of 5,000 crore received from India in the development of hospitals, houses, schools and other basic facilities.

Mujju said, “We have fixed many important projects for this. This help is very important for us.” Thanking PM Modi, he said, “We are very grateful for this visit of the Prime Minister.”

Mujju came to power in 2023

Significantly, when Mujju came to power in 2023, his stand was very strict towards India and the ‘India Out’ campaign was run. In 2024, some of his ministers also made sharp comments on India. Mujju had previously traveled to Türkiye and China, while according to tradition the President of Maldives used to visit India first, but External Affairs Minister S.K. Jaishankar’s visit and Mujju’s visit to India proved to be helpful in bringing back the relationship between the two countries.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined the deep relations between the two countries during the visit to Maldives and said that India is the closest neighbor and the most trusted friend in Maldives. He said that Maldives have a special place in India’s “NeighBourhood First” policy and “Ocean” vision.

Maldives’s important role in “Neberhood First” and “Ocean” Vision
PM Modi said that Maldives holds an important place in India’s ‘Neberhood First’ policy and “Ocean” vision. Whether it is an epidemic time or disaster, India supported the Maldives by providing essential items and handling the economy after Kovid.

60 years of diplomatic relationships and historical partnership
This year is the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations of India-Maldives. PM Modi said that our relationship is not only 60 years old, but is associated with the depths of history. On this occasion, a postage stamp based on traditional boats of the two countries was issued, which is a symbol of this cultural and historical partnership.

India’s participation in social housing and infrastructure
Four thousand social housing units created by India will now be a new beginning for many Maldivas. Apart from this, the redevelopment of Greater Male connectivity project, Adudu Road and Hanimadhu International Airport, will make the region an economic and transit center.

Help and defense cooperation of Rs 5,000 crore
PM Modi announced a “line of credit” of about Rs 5,000 crore ($ 565 million) for Maldives, which will complete infrastructure and development projects. Apart from this, he also described the cooperation in the defense sector as a “strong building of trust”. He described the new building of the Ministry of Defense Defense as a symbol of mutual trust.

Mujju expresses happiness
Maldives President Mohammad Mujju said, ‘I am happy to declare a conversation between India and Maldives on the free trade agreement. This historical initiative is an important step towards strengthening our economic partnership.