Elected on Anti-India Slogans, Maldives President Muizzu Invites Narendra Modi as First Foreign Head of State on Independence Day

Elected on Anti-India Slogans, Maldives President Muizzu Invites Narendra Modi as First Foreign Head of State on Independence Day

[Malé, July 25, 2025] — In a dramatic shift in South Asian diplomacy, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu — who rose to power on an anti-India platform — has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Guest of Honour for the country’s 60th Independence Day celebration. Modi thus becomes the first foreign head of state to visit Maldives under Muizzu’s presidency.

Upon Modi’s arrival in Malé on Friday, he was received with full state honors at Velana International Airport by President Muizzu himself. Later, a formal Guard of Honour ceremony was held for the Indian leader at the Republic Square.

As part of the visit, delegation-level talks were held between the two nations. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in areas such as the economy, infrastructure development, maritime security, and public welfare.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi wrote:

“Arrived in Malé. I was deeply moved by President Muizzu personally welcoming me at the airport. I am confident that the India–Maldives friendship will reach new heights in the coming days.”

According to Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while this marks Modi’s third visit to Maldives, it is the first time he has attended the country's Independence Day as chief guest.

Despite leading an election campaign centered around the "India Out" slogan, President Muizzu made his first foreign visit to India after assuming office. Now, by inviting Modi as the Guest of Honour on Independence Day, he has made another diplomatic overture to New Delhi.

Analysts suggest this invitation is not just a diplomatic courtesy, but a calculated move aimed at balancing regional power dynamics. Despite Muizzu’s close ties with China, this outreach signals a pragmatic shift in Maldivian foreign policy to mend ties with India while navigating between two major powers.