Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in the Maldives for a state visit at the invitation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

This is his first visit to the country since securing a third consecutive term in office.

President Dr Muizzu personally welcomed Prime Minister Modi, who was accompanied by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, at Velana International Airport, ahead of an official welcome ceremony later in the day. The visit comes at a significant moment, coinciding with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The two leaders are expected to hold high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors. They will also witness the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, followed by joint press statements outlining key outcomes.

This visit follows President Dr Muizzu’s state trip to India in October 2024, his first state visit since taking office. That visit resulted in the adoption of ‘A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ outlining cooperation in infrastructure, maritime security, trade, healthcare, energy, and tourism.

PM Modi, who has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s regional foreign policy, previously visited Maldives in 2019 during his second term, when he addressed the People’s Majlis – an honour granted to only one other foreign dignitary in its history. That visit underscored the depth of bilateral ties and introduced new frameworks for cooperation.

His return signals continuity in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and renewed momentum in Maldives–India relations under President Dr Muizzu’s leadership, as both countries work to further strengthen their long-standing partnership.