'Our ties are strong enough’: India brushes aside anti-Modi post, says Maldives relationship remains strong

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday downplayed a now-deleted social media post by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s brother-in-law that referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "terrorist", saying India is focused on deepening future ties with the Maldives rather than reacting to individual remarks.

“Our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these passing remarks that have been made and have also withstood the test of time,” Misri said. “I would prefer to look forward... 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,” he added.

#WATCH | Malé, Maldives | "...Our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these passing remarks that have been made and have also withstood the test of time...I would prefer to look forward...By going with everything that has happened today and especially in the past 9-10… pic.twitter.com/YZvLdLXnGe

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— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2025

“For us, it is always friendship first,” Prime Minister Modi said in his media statement, adding that the "roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the ocean."

On his third official visit to the Maldives, PM Modi joined the island nation’s 60th Independence Day celebrations and was warmly welcomed by President Mohamed Muizzu and other senior Maldivian officials.

During the visit, India extended a ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit and launched negotiations for an India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA).

The two nations also unveiled several development projects, including the handover of 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale, the launch of roads and drainage works in Addu City, and the delivery of 72 vehicles and equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force.

Prime Minister Modi, warmly received by President Muizzu and senior Maldivian officials, reiterated India’s role as a dependable regional partner. “India will continue to support Maldives in the development of its defence capabilities. Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,” he said.

Calling the newly inaugurated defence ministry building in Malé a “concrete building of trust,” Modi added, “The roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the ocean.”

The visit comes amid concerns in New Delhi about China’s growing presence in the Maldives. Modi emphasised that the island nation holds an “important place” in India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) policies.

“India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of Maldives,” Modi said. “Be it a disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood by as a first responder.”