Maldives Invites Modi as Chief Guest for 60th Independence Day

The Maldives has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to serve as chief guest at the archipelago’s 60th Independence Day celebrations in Malé on 26 July, according to people familiar with the planning. The trip, expected to take place later this month, would mark Modi’s first visit to the country since 2019 and his first meeting in Malé with President Mohamed Muizzu, who took office in November 2023. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives and is expected to underline New Delhi’s role as the island nation’s principal economic and security partner. Officials said Modi and Muizzu are likely to review progress on the India-financed Greater Malé Connectivity Project—funded by a $400 million line of credit and a $100 million grant from India—and other infrastructure and defence programmes. Delhi last year also approved a ₹3,000 crore currency-swap facility to help stabilise Maldivian finances. Modi’s presence would signal a reset after a brief downturn in ties triggered by derogatory remarks about the Indian leader by former Maldivian ministers. Diplomats in both capitals expect the visit to focus on regional security cooperation through the Colombo Security Conclave and on inaugurating completed projects intended to spur the Maldivian economy.