PM Modi Attends Maldives’ 60th Independence Day Celebrations in Male, Signals Diplomatic Reset

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives at Republic Square in Male, where he was welcomed as the Guest of Honour by President Mohamed Muizzu and senior members of the Maldivian government.

Taking to social media platform X after the event, Modi said he was “deeply honoured” to witness the celebrations, adding that his “productive talks with President Muizzu will add significant energy to our bilateral relations.”

Seated alongside President Muizzu, Modi watched the vibrant 50-minute programme that included a military parade and cultural performances by children and local artists. The event was attended by top officials from the Maldivian political and military leadership.

Members of Modi’s delegation — including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri — were also present, according to PTI.

A Reset in Ties

Modi’s two-day visit, which concludes Saturday, marks the first by a foreign leader since Muizzu took office, and is being seen as a key step in restoring India-Maldives ties. Relations had briefly soured after Muizzu came to power on the back of an “India Out” campaign, while signaling a shift toward closer ties with China.

However, recent diplomatic engagements appear to have helped repair the relationship. Muizzu himself visited India in October last year, and Modi’s return visit now underscores a renewed commitment to cooperation.

Speaking to the media, President Muizzu referred to Modi as “a wonderful person” and emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two countries. “The Maldives and India have a very good relationship that goes back centuries. With PM Modi’s leadership, cooperation between the two governments is going to be even more prosperous in the days ahead,” he said.