Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to the Maldives, is expected to promote Indian tourism to the archipelago and help bind the burgeoning India-Maldives relations, according to Indian government sources. The strategic commitment, former President Mohamed Nasheed believes, will strengthen bilateral relations and other Indians would be able to visit the archipelago in large numbers in future. The Maldives is observing its 60th Independence Day on July 26, and PM Modi’s visit is part of the celebration of the 60-year-long relationship between the two countries.
Speaking to news agency ANI on July 23, Nasheed emphasized that PM Modi’s visit would not only strengthen political and economic ties but would also have a positive impact on tourism. “When relations are strong, everyone benefits. I believe that the Prime Minister’s visit will further boost Indian tourist arrivals to the Maldives,” Nasheed remarked ahead of PM Modi’s two-day visit scheduled for July 25-26.
PM Modi’s trip is expected to focus on a wide range of bilateral issues, but it is also seen as a key moment to celebrate the enduring partnership between the two countries, particularly in the context of the Maldives’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean.
A Boost for Tourism: Indian Tourists Return to the Maldives
The Maldives, known for its picturesque beaches, luxury resorts, and pristine marine life, has long been a top destination for Indian travelers. With PM Modi’s visit, the Maldives is expecting a surge in Indian tourist arrivals, as his presence symbolizes the continued strength of India-Maldives relations.
Nasheed noted that the connection between the two countries is not only vital for political and economic stability but also for tourism, which has been a key driver of the Maldivian economy. He believes that a visit of such magnitude will encourage Indian citizens to travel to the Maldives more frequently, providing a boost to the local tourism industry, which heavily relies on visitors from neighboring countries.
This sentiment is supported by the ongoing infrastructural developments aimed at improving connectivity between India and the Maldives. The completion of the Hanimadu Airport project is a testament to the close cooperation between the two nations, which has been instrumental in enhancing air travel between southern India and northern Maldives. Nasheed highlighted that the airport will be just over an hour away from many southern Indian cities, offering a big opportunity for both nations to capitalize on the growing demand for air travel.
Hanimadu Airport: A Game Changer for Connectivity
The Hanimadu Airport, a major infrastructure development, is nearing completion and is set to be one of the most important projects to enhance air connectivity between India and the Maldives. This project has been supported by Indian financial assistance, and once operational, it will significantly reduce travel times for tourists from southern India to the Maldives. “Hanimadu Airport would be just a little over an hour from most of the southern Indian cities,” Nasheed explained. “There is a big opportunity for both countries to benefit.”
The improved air connectivity is expected to make the Maldives an even more accessible destination for Indian tourists, encouraging spontaneous travel and increasing the volume of visitors. As India remains a significant source of tourists for the Maldives, enhanced connectivity will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of tourism in the region.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Economic Ties and Shared Goals
PM Modi’s visit also highlights the deep economic ties between India and the Maldives. Nasheed was quick to acknowledge India’s timely economic assistance, which has played a critical role in stabilizing the Maldives during its challenging economic times. “If not for India, we would have gone default,” Nasheed admitted, underscoring the importance of Indian financial support in keeping the Maldives’ economy afloat.
In recent years, India has extended substantial economic assistance to the Maldives, helping the island nation avert financial crises and avoid default. This partnership has been crucial in maintaining stability and growth in the Maldives, especially considering the Maldives’ mounting debt repayment obligations. India’s financial support has helped ensure that the country remains on a steady economic path, further reinforcing the sense of trust between the two nations.
India-First Foreign Policy: A Consistent Approach
Reflecting on the Maldives’ foreign policy, Nasheed reaffirmed the country’s long-standing “India-first” approach. He acknowledged, however, that previous electoral shifts had sometimes caused foreign policy oscillations, with political changes resulting in a strong pro-China stance at times. But Nasheed emphasized that the current political climate in the Maldives has brought about a more consistent, India-centric approach to foreign policy.
“Today, unlike before, across the spectrum of Maldivian politics, the approach is firmly India-first,” Nasheed stated, highlighting the positive shift in the country’s foreign policy framework. This unwavering commitment to India is likely to continue to influence diplomatic and economic relations in the future, particularly as both countries collaborate on regional issues and work towards greater security in the Indian Ocean region.
PM Modi’s Message: Strengthening Ties Between India and the Maldives
In a message shared before his departure, PM Modi expressed his excitement about visiting the Maldives and participating in the 60th Independence Day celebrations. “Day after tomorrow, 25th July, I will be in the Maldives at the invitation of the President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. I am honoured to be taking part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives. This year we also mark 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. The talks with President Muizzu will certainly add momentum to bilateral ties across diverse sectors,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi’s visit will not only mark a key moment in the history of India-Maldives relations but will also reaffirm the strong bond between the two countries. As both nations look forward to more collaborative efforts, particularly in tourism, security, and economic development, the Maldives stands to gain from this strengthened partnership.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in India-Maldives Relations
A visit by PM Modi to the Maldives has historical significance and it indicates that the India-Maldives relationship is assuming new dimensions. From enhancing tourism to strengthening trade and security relations, this visit is a springboard for a period of greater cooperation going forward. With the Maldives’ adoption of an “India-first” foreign policy and India’s resolve to stand by it, the two countries have good reason to look forward to a future of hope in which India’s prosperity and security will play an indispensable role, not just in their political and economic interests but also those of its people. But, as PM Modi’s visit progresses, Maldives must hope for an ongoing Indian tourism boom, a close relationship with India and a bright future for both nations.
