'India our closest partner, thank New Delhi for pivotal economic assistance': Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu shake hands before their meeting at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. (File Photo)

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday referred to India as his country’s “closest partner" and said that the new Rs 5,000 crore credit line announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit will greatly help the archipelagic country. Muizzu made the comment during an exclusive conversation with News18. His comments mark a significant shift in the India-Maldives relations, which soured in 2023 after Muizzu was elected President, on the back of an “India Out” campaign.

“India is our closest partner, of course. I’m sure it is even better now," Muizzu said. The President said that the Maldives was looking forward to the completion of the free trade agreement (FTA) with India. Both countries announced during PM Modi’s visit that they will begin negotiations over the FTA. “⁠Once completed, the FTA will be very beneficial for traders of both countries. We are looking forward to it," Muizzu told News18.

India- Maldives ties started to restore by 2024 as both India and Maldives decided to restart diplomatic dialogue. While in Maldives, PM Modi affirmed faith into the India-Maldives diplomatic ties, calling them “older than history and as deep as the sea.”

“India is the Maldives’ closest neighbour. The Maldives holds an important place in both India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its Vision MAHASAGAR. India is proud to be the Maldives’ most trusted friend," PM Modi said.

Muizzu also described the new Rs 5,000 crore credit line from India as a big help. Muizzu, in fact, told News18 how his government plans to utilise this aid. “We have earmarked a lot of crucial projects to carry out with that. For example, hospitals, housing development, infrastructure, schools. So, it will definitely help," Muizzu said in the interview.

During PM Modi'd visit to Maldives, several media reports had said that Muizzu's brother-in-law Abdullah bin Mohammed Ibrahim made a post on social media criticising PM Modi. The post has now reportedly been taken down.

Reacting to a question about it, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India and Maldives have withstood such remarks, adding, "by going with everything that has happened today and especially in the past 9-10 months since President Mohamed Muizzu visited India, the future is undoubtedly and unquestionably bright.