Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the island nation since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.

Modi was received at Velana International Airport by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and senior government officials, amid tightened security measures in the capital.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Muizzu at the President’s Office. He will also meet with other senior Maldivian political leaders. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation, regional security, and investment ties between the two nations.

The highlight of the visit will be Modi’s attendance as the Guest of Honor at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations on 26 July. His participation is widely seen as a symbolic move to reset ties that were strained in recent years due to the "India-Out" campaign, which criticized Indian military presence in the country. Many leaders of that campaign now hold positions in the current government.

This visit follows President Muizzu’s own state trip to India in October 2024, which signaled a thaw in bilateral tensions. Analysts say Modi’s visit reaffirms India’s strategic interest in the Maldives and could open doors for fresh cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and maritime security.

While no major agreements have been announced yet, both sides have hinted at discussions on a potential Free Trade Agreement and new investment treaties.