'India has never let us down': Ex Maldives minister hails diplomatic ties ahead of PM Modi's visit

In a sign of mending ties, a former Maldivian minister has hailed India’s efforts to help the island country whenever needed. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Maldives from July 25 to 26, the relationship between the two countries is expected to turn a new leaf, a year after ties hit a snag.

Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said that India has always been the first responder to Maldives whenever a crisis hits the country, noting that Indians have a “big heart". He said that despite tensions between the two countries, India’s move to continue and increase aid shipments to Maldives shows its maturity and generosity.

“The relationship between the Maldives and India has always demonstrated that India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line, India responds first. It is for many reasons. First and foremost, because Indian people have a big heart and they are always ready to assist the Maldives in the neighbourhood, they are most generous," Shahid said.

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He added, “India is so close to the Maldives geographically. Whenever anything of urgency and distress happens in the Maldives, India has never let us down…the increase in aid by the Indian government shows the generosity and maturity.”

In an ostensible dig at Mohamed Muizzu’s government, Shahid added that political parties in Maldives should not use key neighbouring countries like India as “punching bags” for political gains.

‘PM Modi’s visit will set everything right’

PM Modi is taking an official visit to the Maldives from Friday, and Shahid believes that his trip will mend ties between the two countries.

“There is a huge market just next door to us. It is only natural that we tap into the economic boom that is taking place in India. It was unfortunate that there was a dip in Indian tourism around arrivals in the Maldives because of the diplomatic tensions. But I think the PM’s visit this time will set everything right," he said.

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“I am delighted by the PM’s visit. The PM’s visit this time goes beyond symbolism because the PM is making a State Visit coinciding with the 60th anniversary of our independence. He is going to be the guest of honour for the celebrations. This goes beyond symbolism because recently we have had very unfortunate diplomatic strain between the Maldives and India because of the narrative that the current government used during the elections," he added.

PM Modi’s Maldives visit

Modi will then travel to the Maldives at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu in what is being seen as a breakthrough in the ties between the two countries following a spell of frostiness under Muizzu.

Modi will join the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives.

“This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,” he said.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the visit will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting people and advancing India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.

With inputs from agencies