Why is pro-China Maldives leader Muizzu seeking to mend India ties?

Mohamed Muizzu embarks on a state visit to India a year after becoming president on anti-India rhetoric. Here’s why.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called India a “valued partner” on his first state visit to New Delhi in an effort to mend ties that were strained by Muizzu’s anti-India rhetoric during his election campaign.

Muizzu’s pro-China stance and campaign to drive out Indian troops stationed in the archipelago nation threatened traditionally strong ties between the two Indian Ocean nations. 

After his election win in late 2023, the Maldivian leader, however, signalled a willingness to engage with India – and seems to have found a willing partner in New Delhi. “Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region,” India’s Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement announcing Muizzu’s five-day visit, which began on Sunday.

So why has Muizzu visited India, and what does it mean for India-Maldives ties?

Muizzu was given a red carpet welcome, and his busy itinerary included meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Indian officials.

According to India’s foreign office, Muizzu and Modi discussed “energy, trade, financial linkages and defence cooperation”. Specifically, they talked about a free trade agreement.

After the meeting, Modi said India would help the Maldives develop infrastructure projects. India approved a $400m currency swap agreement to support the cash-strapped Maldivian economy.

Muizzu said this agreement “will be instrumental in addressing the foreign exchange issues we are facing right now”.

The two leaders also virtually inaugurated a runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the Maldives.

Take a look at the list of outcomes of the visit: