India has provided special VIP security training to 10 personnel from the Maldives Police Service ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming two-day state visit to the island nation on July 25–26. The visit, the first since Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu took office in November 2023, is set to reinforce economic, strategic and cultural ties.
The ten Maldivian commandos, trained in VIP protection by India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), will be deployed as part of President Muizzu’s personal security detail. After two weeks of intensive training at the VIP Security Training Centre in Noida, the officers met CRPF Director General GP Singh in New Delhi on Saturday. DG Singh praised the collaboration as “a testimony to our shared commitment towards peace, professionalism and regional cooperation in policing.”
Modi’s Visit To The Maldives
Prime Minister Modi will attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of Maldives on July 26 as the Guest of Honour, marking a double milestone—the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. President Muizzu had personally extended the invitation. And Modi will be the first head of govt/state to visit the Maldives under Muizzu’s presidency.
The visit is expected to significantly ease past tensions. In 2023, shortly after assuming office, President Muizzu had requested the withdrawal of Indian defence personnel stationed in the Maldives, sparking diplomatic unease. Known for his pro-China stance, Muizzu’s early moves raised concerns in New Delhi. However, subsequent engagements, including his own visit to India in October 2024, have helped stabilise the relationship. During that visit, both leaders adopted a Joint Vision Statement on a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, monitored by a newly established High-Level Core Group (HLCG).
Economic Aid, Security & Strategic Ties
The meetings in Malé will focus on deepening cooperation in maritime security, economic development, climate resilience and regional connectivity. Both sides are expected to review progress under the Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ and finalise new agreements under that framework.
During Modi’s visit, several agreements—on development cooperation, ferry services, healthcare, infrastructure and capacity building—are expected to be signed.
Economic Support And Developmental Aid
India remains Maldives’ largest development partner, contributing through a mix of grants, lines of credit and currency swap arrangements. In 2024, India provided over US $400 million in emergency financial assistance, in addition to a ₹3,000 crore currency swap line and an interest-free roll-over of US $100 million in Treasury Bills.
India and Maldives have already signed 13 MoUs under Phase III of the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), committing MVR 100 million in grant assistance to expand ferry connectivity across the archipelago.
India also plays a vital role in Maldives’ trade and investment ecosystem, with bilateral trade crossing US $548 million. Indian businesses have significant stakes in Maldivian tourism and infrastructure, contributing to job creation and economic diversification.
Defence And Maritime Security
Defence and maritime security cooperation forms a key pillar of India-Maldives relations. Regular bilateral exercises, joint surveillance operations and training programs have enhanced operational synergy between their forces. India has also supplied aviation assets, naval platforms and maintenance support to bolster the Maldives’ maritime capabilities.
Regional Partnership With Global Implications
Maldives holds a pivotal place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its maritime strategy, ‘Vision MAHASAGAR’. Given its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, cooperation with Maldives is vital for India’s goals of ensuring regional stability and countering growing Chinese influence in the region.
The continued high-level exchanges between New Delhi and Malé—including frequent ministerial visits and meetings between the two leaders at COP28, the swearing-in of the Indian government and state visits—underscore the shared commitment to strengthening ties.
Looking Ahead
As the two nations mark 60 years of diplomatic ties, the visit signals a renewed chapter of collaboration, mutual respect and regional leadership in the Indian Ocean.
