New Delhi: President Mohamed Muizzu became the head of Maldives a couple of years back by banking openly on ‘India Out’ platform. Back then, editorials were writing the obituary of India’s Maldives policy. As per the prediction of many, New Delhi would lose one of its closest maritime partners to geopolitical rivals. Tombstones were practically carved in some of India’s leading news outlets, declaring that India had “lost” its trusted foothold in Malé.
It was reported to be a setback for India and people expressed concerns about the future of India’s partnership with the Maldives. Editorials termed it a wake up call and harped on the need for India to work towards changing perceptions. Even foreign publications were not left far behind and said it reflects India’s strategic self doubt.
India, however, did what it does best when it counts: kept its cool. There were no knee-jerk counter moves, but just a quiet, steady hand. In what people felt was counter-intuitive, PM Modi was the first world leader to congratulate Muizzu.
And over time, the relations between India and Maldives have gone on from strength to strength. This week, PM Modi will become the first foreign leader to be received in the Maldives on a State Visit under President Muizzu. Even more symbolic, he’s the Guest of Honour for Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations—an invitation that shows how far ties have come from the “India Out” sloganeering days.
Since President Muizzu took charge, India has shown that it is a friend in need. Be it through economic support, assistance for capacity building and other such endeavours, India has always stood with Maldives.● Emergency financial aid worth $400 million plus Rs 3,000 crore in currency swaps.
● 13 new MoUs expanding ferry services across Maldives.
● Continued defence, maritime, and capacity-building cooperation—unmatched by any other partner.
● A robust trade and investment footprint crossing $548 million, with Indian businesses and tourists keeping Maldivian shores busy.
Under the Joint Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, India has provided specialized training slots to Maldivian Coast Guard and Defence Force officers at Indian defence academies
Prior to this visit of PM, President Muizzu had visited India in October last year, marking his first State Visit abroad after assuming office in November 2023. During the visit, he had said, ‘India is a key partner in the socioeconomic and infrastructure development of the Maldives, and has stood by the Maldives during our times of need’.
This is not an isolated story of India’s quiet diplomacy. In Sri Lanka, when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed office, many commentators feared New Delhi-Colombo ties would nosedive too. Reports claimed that India has reason to be worried about Sri Lanka’s left turn. Foreign publications had also claimed that the newly elected Sri Lankan President is expected to distance himself from India.
Instead, relations have grown stronger—proving again that India’s approach of respectful partnership, timely support, and strategic patience works. In a powerful symbol of trust, PM Modi recently visited Sri Lanka on a
state visit earlier this year, becoming the first foreign Head of Government to be received under the new leadership.
In an unprecedented gesture, President Dissanayake personally accompanied PM Modi throughout the visit, from ceremonial welcome to joint public events to iconic cultural sites. PM Modi was also conferred with the Mithra Vibhushana, Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour for a foreign national. During the visit, President Dissanayake publicly called India “Sri Lanka’s first responder” highlighting a powerful mutual trust between the two countries.
Whether it’s responding first in crises or standing by as the reliable neighbour when others step back-India’s action in the Indian Ocean speaks for itself. It’s India’s conduct that keeps its partnerships resilient, even when domestic politics shifts in its neighbourhood.
This highlights the dynamic and adaptive nature of PM’s foreign policy, which is finely attuned to the shifting tides of global diplomacy. PM operates with a clear sense of strategy and purpose. Though many believe they grasp his approach, there are deeper, more nuanced layers to his leadership style that often remain out of public view.
A defining feature of PM Modi’s foreign policy has been strategic restraint – a measured and thoughtful approach that has served the country well. He is often there for any country when others fail or refuse to respond. Be it vaccines to humanitarian relief, be it capacity building or economic assistance, PM Modi is the leader who stands by nations.
This consistency has ensured that, regardless of changes in political leadership abroad, India’s bilateral relations remain stable and constructive. The result is a steadily expanding global footprint for India, driven by a foreign policy that balances principle with pragmatism.
