Hugs and handshakes are heartening. But India needs to ensure that “India Out” campaigns do not re-emerge.
After several months of flailing around in turbulent waters, the India-Maldives relationship is cruising again. Deft navigation on the part of the two governments has contributed to steadying the bilateral relationship.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives on July 25-26, the two governments signed several important agreements covering debt repayment, fisheries, health, tourism, and digital payments. In addition to extending a new credit line of $565 million for development projects in the Maldives, India agreed to reduce its loan repayment burden from nearly $51 million annually to about $29 million — a 40 percent reduction. The visit also saw the start of talks on a free trade agreement.
Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu jointly inaugurated infrastructure projects; pledged cooperation on climate, disaster risk, and renewable energy; and reaffirmed commitment to a stronger economic and maritime partnership.
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