Modi’s Maldives Visit to Mark New Era in Bilateral Ties

July 24, 2025- Kolkata, India: Abdulla Shahid, the former Maldives Prime Minister, praised PM Modi and the nation’s ties with his country. PM Modi is going to visit the island nation around 25th-26th July, where he intends to grow and start a fresh chapter for both nations.

Shahid On Maldives’ Relationship with India

The former Maldives Prime Minister Abdulla Shahid praised India in a press conference by stating that they always respond first to the Maldives whenever they face any calamities or crisis. He asserted that despite the sour relations between the nations, India’s decision to keep sending further aid to the Maldives shows India’s compassion and maturity in this situation. Shahid said that “The relationship between the Maldives and India has always demonstrated that India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line, India responds first. It is for many reasons. First and foremost, because Indian people have a big heart and they are always ready to assist the Maldives in the neighbourhood, they are most generous.”

​He added that India is very close to the Maldives geographically and that whenever anything urgent and distressing happens in the Maldives, India has never let them down; he also mentioned that the increase in aid by the Indian government shows its generosity and maturity. Shahid took a jab against the current Maldives Prime Minister, Mohamed Muizzu and his government by adding that the political parties in the Maldives should treat their neighbours like “punching bags” for political motive and profit.

Shahid On PM Modi’s Visit

Abdulla Shahid firmly believes that PM Modi’s visit to the island nation will mend the disparities and hostilities between the nations. He also thinks that PM Modi’s visit will help them with their economic problems and the tourism sector.

He praised the Indian PM and said that “I am delighted by the PM’s visit. The PM’s visit this time goes beyond symbolism because the PM is making a State Visit coinciding with the 60th anniversary of our independence. He is going to be the guest of honour for the celebrations. This goes beyond symbolism because recently we have had very unfortunate diplomatic strain between the Maldives and India because of the narrative that the current government used during the elections.”

PM Modi On his visit to Maldives

PM Modi will visit and join the nation’s celebrations for their 60th anniversary of independence. PM Modi will also visit Maldives PM Mohamed Muizzu and will look into the matter to solve the tensions between the nations.

PM Modi stated that ‘year also marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and expressed his anticipation for meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership to advance their joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership and to strengthen cooperation for peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.’

The Indian PM also expressed his confidence that his visit will definitely bring some positive outcomes and will move forward with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.