Maldives' ‘first responder’: Ex-minister hails ties with India ahead of PM Modi visit

PM Narendra Modi will also be the first foreign head of state to visit Maldives under the presidency of Mohammed Muizzu.

Published on: Jul 24, 2025, 09:31:34 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Maldives, former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has hailed the nation's ties with India.

Ahead of PM Modi's visit, former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid has hailed the nation's ties with India. (AFP)

Speaking to reporters ahead of PM Narendra Modi's two-day visit to the island nation, Shahid praised India for its support to Maldives over the years and stated that New Delhi truly served as a "first responder" for the nation.

Also Read | India-Maldives ties see turnaround; Modi to attend Independence Day in Malé

"The relationship between 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," the former minister told news agency ANI.

Furthermore, he added that India has never let Maldives down.

"Whenever anything of urgency and distressful happens in Maldives, India has never let us down...The increase in aid by the Indian Govt shows the generosity and maturity," Shahid added.

PM Modi's visit to the Maldives comes after a strain in diplomatic ties between the two nations. The strain began with President Mohammed Muizzu's "India Out" campaign and policy, which resulted in Male leaning more towards China.

The tensions increased after a row erupted over a minister's derogatory remarks after PM Modi's visit to Lakshadweep in 2024. This row was followed by the docking of a Chinese research vessel in February 2024, which added to the tensions.

Also Read | Long way from ‘India Out’ campaign: Why Modi's Maldives visit matters

“It was unfortunate that there was a dip in Indian tourism around arrivals in the Maldives because of the diplomatic tensions. But I think the PM's visit this time will put everything right. The message that we are receiving shows that the current Maldivian Govt is ready to recognise the ground reality that India is a genuine friend and that India will always work to the greater good of its neighbours and there is no ill-will on the part of anyone,” said Shahid when asked about the diplomatic row.

Modi will also be the first foreign head of state to visit Maldives under the presidency of Mohammed Muizzu.

During his two-day visit on July 25 and 26, the prime minister will inaugurate development projects funded by India. PM Modi will also celebrate the Maldives' Independence Day and hold bilateral talks with President Muizzu.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.