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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During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Maldives President Mohammad Mujju made a statement about Maldives’ relations with India. Addressing a joint press conference with PM Modi, Maldives President Mohammad Mujju said that India is a major source for the tourism sector of Maldives. Therefore, we have discussed the methods of more expansion of this important area.

President Muizu said, “To further strengthen the direct connectivity between India and Maldives, we have had important talks to increase cooperation and contact like starting direct flights.”

Discussion about increasing cooperation in the field of environment

He said, “Apart from this, we have also discussed about cooperation in the field of environment. In this we have also talked about opportunities to further increase technical cooperation and more in important areas like waste management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, water and hygiene.”

VIDEO | Addressing a joint presser along with PM Narendra Modi, The Maldives President Mohamed Muzzu (@Mmuizzu) Said, “India remains a key source market for Maldivian tourism. pic.twitter.com/5fqkrezohi

– Press Trust of India (@Pti_News) July 25, 2025

Happiness expressed on starting discussion on free trade agreement

During his third official visit to Maldives, PM Modi also announced to start a dialogue between India and Maldives regarding the free trade agreement. To this, President Mujju said, “I am happy to announce a conversation between India and Maldives on the free trade agreement/FTA. This historical initiative is an important step towards strengthening our economic partnership.”

Prime Minister Modi told Maldives the most trusted friend

At the same time, during the joint press conference, PM Modi has called Maldives the most Kariba neighbor and the most trusted friend. He said, “Maldives have a special place in India’s policy of ‘Nebarhood First’ and ‘Ocean Vision’. Whether it is time of epidemic or any kind of disaster, India helped Maldives without losing time, providing essential items.”

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