Maldives welcomes Modi in diplomatic turnaround

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday landed in Malé, the capital of Maldives, for a two-day visit.

In a turnaround of events, Maldives has invited PM Modi as the chief guest for their 60th anniversary celebrations. The gesture from Maldives reflects the extent to which the island nation gives importance to India.

Just two years ago, newly elected Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu, who rose to power in the island nation on "India-out" campaign, made many think that New Delhi's close maritime partner would be its rival. However, that hasn't been the case.

India's soft power prevailed as its diplomacy maneuvered its way to echelons of power in the island nation step by step.

The result is that PM Modi has become the first foreign leader to be received in the Maldives on a State Visit under President Muizzu. He is the Guest of Honour for the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations — a gesture which reflects the turnaround.

India has provided the Maldives with emergency financial aid worth USD 400 million plus Rs 3,000 crore in currency swaps, 13 new MoUs expanding ferry services across the Maldives, and a robust trade and investment footprint crossing USD 548 million.

Under the Joint Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, India has provided specialised training slots to Maldivian Coast Guard and Defence Force officers at Indian defence academies.