India, Maldives united on security amid China's expanding footprint, says Foreign Secy Misri

Misri also underscored the frequency of contact between Indian and Maldivian security agencies.

Amid mounting regional tensions and questions over China’s influence, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed his country's commitment to security cooperation with India, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Friday.

The assurance came following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Muizzu during his two-day state visit to the Maldives.  To be noted, this is PM Modi's third and the first by any head of government under the current Maldivian administration.

Responding to questions on whether China featured in bilateral discussions, Misri said, “The President expressed his commitment to the importance that the Maldives attaches to security-related issues and the commitment of both sides to continue working together.” He underscored the frequency of contact between Indian and Maldivian security agencies, adding, “We continue to work with the Maldives on any issue that might impinge upon shared security interests in the region.”

The visit, which comes as India recalibrates its engagement in the Indian Ocean amid China’s assertive presence, saw PM Modi and Muizzu review the entire spectrum of bilateral ties, from trade and defence to maritime cooperation and development partnerships.

A standout outcome of the visit was India’s announcement of a Rs 4,850 crore rupee-denominated line of credit to the Maldives, the first of its kind, aimed at bolstering infrastructure and development projects.

In that context, an amendatory agreement was signed to restructure an existing dollar-denominated credit line, reducing the Maldives’ annual debt servicing to India by 40 percent, from $51 million to $29 million.

The leaders also agreed to accelerate negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), commemorated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties with special stamps, and launched several high-impact development projects. These also included the handover of 3,300 housing units in Hulhumale, the inauguration of a roads and drainage system in Addu City, and the gifting of 72 vehicles and equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Additional pacts were signed in sectors such as fisheries, meteorology, digital governance, pharmaceuticals, and payments infrastructure. A key agreement between NPCI International and the Maldives Monetary Authority aims to implement India’s UPI system in the Maldives, expected to boost tourism and digital payments.

Summing up the visit, Misri called it “timely and productive,” adding that both nations had reaffirmed their joint vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

PM Modi, echoing the historical and cultural depth of ties, stated, “The roots of our relations are older than history, and as deep as the ocean. For us, it is always friendship first.”

On Saturday, PM Modi will attend the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour and meet with political leaders, diaspora members, and ITEC alumni.