'India always first responder': Why ties with Maldives remain strong despite recent tensions

File photo of PM Narendra Modi with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

India and Maldives continue to have a strong bilateral relationship despite the diplomatic tensions between the two countries last year as New Delhi remains the first responder in every emergency situation, former Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid said on July 23.

"...The relationship between Maldives and India has always demonstrated that India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line, India responds first,” Shahid said.

The former minister, explaining the rationale behind the strong ties, said the Indians have a “big heart” and they are always willing to assist Maldives in the neighbourhood. Shahid said the recent increase in aid by New Delhi shows its “generosity and maturity”.

Moreover, geographically the two countries are close.

“It is for many reasons. First and foremost, because Indian people have a big heart and they are always ready to assist Maldives in the neighbourhood, they are most generous. Second, India is so close to Maldives geographically. Whenever anything of urgency and distressful happens in Maldives, India has never let us down,” he said.

“The increase in aid by the Indian Govt shows the generosity and maturity. Despite the diplomatic tension, India decided that the relationship is between people-to-people and Govts change, political parties in power change but the relationship that exists between our two people is on solid foundation and has never changed."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to visit Maldives from July 25 to July 26. The visit is considered crucial as it seeks to strengthen the relationship, especially after it came under strain following President Mohamed Muizzu’s “anti-India” election campaign in 2023. Since then, the two countries have been working to mend the relationship, with Muizzu meeting Modi in New Delhi in October 2024.'

With agency inputs