Maldives

Historically strong ties between India and the Maldives have recently faced a degree of turbulence. While the two nations share deep cultural and economic bonds, a few factors are contributing to the strain in their relationship.

One significant issue is the "India Out" campaign fueled by opposition parties in the Maldives. This campaign has painted India's presence in the archipelago as an encroachment, despite India's substantial aid and development assistance. This anti-India sentiment has complicated bilateral relations.

The Maldives' growing closeness with China is a key concern for India. Large-scale Chinese infrastructure investments in the Maldives have heightened India's strategic anxieties in the Indian Ocean region. India views rising Chinese influence with a degree of apprehension, suspecting a potential threat to its regional dominance.

Further, the Maldives' internal politics play a role. The current Maldivian administration has sometimes taken positions that clash with Indian interests. Differences in foreign policy outlooks and domestic political compulsions within the Maldives occasionally create friction with India.

Despite these challenges, India and the Maldives continue to collaborate in several areas. India remains a crucial development partner for the Maldives, and people-to-people ties remain strong. Both nations recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship. Diplomatic engagements are ongoing to address and manage the sources of tension.

The trajectory of India-Maldives relations depends on navigating these complexities. The Maldives needs to balance its relations with both India and China, while India must find ways to maintain its influence in a region of increasing strategic competition. The ability of both nations to find common ground and address mutual concerns will be crucial in determining the future of this important partnership.

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MALDIVES NEWS

The hotel was temporarily removed from booking platforms, but has since reappeared under a new name, the report said (Representative image/Pexels)

'Terrible feeling’: Chinese diver stranded for 40 minutes after instructor forgets her in Maldives sea; no apology from hotel

September 29, 2025 6:18 pm

The woman has since filed official complaints with the Maldivian tourism authorities and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.

Farah Khan's cook Dilip holidays in the Maldives, colours his hair blonde. (Photo: Farah Khan/YouTube)

'First person in my family to get a passport': Farah Khan's cook Dilip vacations in Maldives, hires a personal manager, colours his hair red

July 31, 2025 11:32 am

Farah Khan and her cook Dilip recently visited the Maldives, marking Dilip's first international trip. He said that he is the first person in his family to get a passport.

PM Modi’s visit to the Maldives: A diplomatic reset

July 29, 2025 7:31 am

As a key neighbour and regional power, India can counterbalance China's influence by making better offers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Mohamed Muizzu during the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations in Male on Saturday

PM Modi’s engagement with the Maldives shows India is playing the long game

July 28, 2025 1:10 pm

During his visit, PM Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu reviewed the entire gamut of relations and agreed to strengthen the multifaceted relationship by implementing the Joint Vision Document

Daily Briefing: Turnaround in ties between India, Maldives; ICMR's Project Namak; rise in coconut oil prices

July 26, 2025 9:15 am

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Line of credit, trade talks, direct flights: Modi, Muizzu mark turnaround in ties

July 26, 2025 7:15 pm

Speaking during the ceremony, PM Modi said, “Maldives is just not a neighbour but a co-traveller. Our relations are touching new heights. The Maldives holds an important place in both India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision.”

'A memorable welcome': PM Modi received by President Muizzu as he starts his Maldives visit

July 25, 2025 4:43 pm

PM Modi will attend the archipelago nation’s 60th Independence Day celebrations as the chief guest.

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India to raise pro-Khalistani activities in UK, extradition of fugitives during PM Modi’s visit

July 23, 2025 7:14 am

India is also in discussions with Maldives for an FTA as well as an investment treaty, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said Tuesday, briefing reporters on the PM’s two-nation visit.

Indian chef working in Maldives missing since Jan 27: Family says got no help, Delhi HC steps in

March 11, 2025 3:42 am

They (family) continued to send repeated email requests to the Indian High Commission in Maldives and received an email response on the MADAD portal of MEA on February 12

Chinese FM Wang Yi makes surprise visit to Maldives, holds talks with President Muizzu

January 11, 2025 8:40 pm

This was the first major visit by a Chinese official to Maldives after Muizzu visited China in January last year, months after his election.

MALDIVES PHOTOS

Maldives becomes Mumbai Indians' official tourist destination partner for the 2025 Indian Premier League; check out some must-visit spots

March 25, 2025 4:20 pm

Here are 5 must visit destinations you should add to your bucket list!

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Inside Sonam Kapoor and Rhea's Maldives family vacation

October 10, 2019 7:12 am

Sonam Kapoor, husband Anand Ahuja, sister Rhea Kapoor, and a few other friends are off to a luxury resort in Maldives to celebrate good friend Karan Boolani's birthday. A number of photos were shared on social media accounts by the Kapoors and we have compiled all of them. Scroll on to see.

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Inside Erica Fernandes and Parth Samthaan's Maldives vacation

August 28, 2019 8:40 am

Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 stars, Erica Fernandes and Parth Samthaan, have left fans excited with their photos from Maldives.

Nusrat Jahan is having the time of her life in Maldives

August 07, 2019 9:38 am

Nusrat Jahan has been sharing photos from her dreamy vacation in Maldives on Instagram.

Maldives is Mandira Bedi's 'happy place'

July 30, 2019 7:14 am

Mandira Bedi spent some quality time in the Maldives. The actor shared photos from her vacation on Instagram.

Mandira Bedi: The fittest female celebrity?

July 24, 2019 10:28 am

Bollywood actor Mandira Bedi is redefining fitness at the age of 47. The actor is currently on a vacation in the Maldives.

Shah Rukh Khan's Maldives vacation

July 22, 2019 11:37 am

Shah Rukh Khan shared a thank you note as his and son Aryan Khan's voice-over in The Lion King's Hindi version is getting a lot of love from fans. See all the photos from SRK's Maldives vacation with kids Aryan, Suhana and AbRam.

Malaika Arora vacations in the Maldives with girlfriends

July 21, 2019 8:07 am

Maldives is a hot favourite vacation destination for Indians, and clearly Malaika Arora has been making the most of her time in the country.

Kriti Sanon is 'vibing' with her tribe in the Maldives

June 19, 2019 10:10 am

Kriti Sanon and her friends are having a great time in the Maldives. The actor has been sharing photos on her Instagram account.

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Abhishek, Aishwarya and Aaradhya Bachchan holiday in Maldives

April 26, 2019 8:22 pm

Recently, Bollywood couple Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan took to Instagram to share stunning pictures from their vacation in the Maldives. They were joined on their holiday by their adorable daughter Aaradhya Bachchan.

MALDIVES VIDEOS

India-Maldives Sign Defence Cooperation Plan: Understanding The Significance

April 12, 2016 11:02 am

12th South Asian Games conclude

February 24, 2016 3:44 am

Guwahati, Feb 24 (ANI): The 12th South Asian games were declared close in a glittering ceremony that saw performances by eight live bands from across the northeastern states. India's regional supremacy went unchallenged as the hosts were crowned overall champions for the 12th consecutive time after notching up a record-breaking haul of 188 gold, 90 silver and 30 bronze medals taking the overall tally to 308. While Sri Lanka with a total of 186 medals came second, Pakistan begged third position with 106 medals. Afghanistan stood at fourth with a medal tally of 35, Bangladesh at fifth with 75 medals, Nepal secured sixth position with 60 medals, Maldives stands at seventh with a medal tally of 3 and Bhutan stands at eighth with a total of 16 medals. Cycling, football, hockey, squash, volleyball were among 23 sport disciplines of which 16 were held in Guwahati and 7 in Shillong. The hosting of the major international sporting event is part of the government's efforts to develop India's northeast region. The two hosting cities Guwahati and Shillong showcased the culture and heritage of northeast India. The mega sports extravaganza will help boost the state's tourism besides pushing infrastructural growth. The objective of decentralizing sports to centres outside the metros is laudable and the effort will boost economic growth and bring prosperity to the region, making India a global destination for sports.

Maldives Defence Minister meets Parrikar

January 20, 2016 5:40 am

New Delhi, Jan 20 (ANI): Minister of Defence and National Security of Maldives Adam Shareef met his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi to boost bilateral ties, especially in the area of security. Shareef held delegation-level talks with Parrikar during which it was reportedly decided that both the nations should deepen their defence cooperation. Earlier in the day, Shareef also inspected a tri-services guard of honour during a ceremonial reception in the national capital. During his stay here, Shareef will also meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

UAE, Germany and Italy condemn Pathankot attack

January 08, 2016 2:58 pm

New Delhi, Jan 08 (ANI): The governments of UAE, Germany and Italy have condemned the terrorist attack on Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in which seven security personnel were martyred."Terrorism and extremism know no borders and no limits and pose a threat to innocent people everywhere around the world. In order to contain the dangerous threat that terrorism poses to our countries and peoples, international cooperation is indispensable," the Foreign Ministry of UAE said in a statement. Although, the UAE assured India of complete support in its fight against terrorism. "We utterly condemn the terrorist attacks on the Indian air force base in Pathankot and on the Indian Consulate General in Mazar-e-Sharif. The responsible parties must be identified and held accountable," Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a statement. Earlier, Italy, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea, Maldives, Nepal, Brazil and France also condemned the terrorist attack. Six terrorists were neutralised in the terror attack at the Pathankot air base that began in the wee hours on January 1. Seven security personnel were martyred in the terror attack. The conspiracy behind the terrorist attack in Pathankot was hatched in Markaj, Pakistan, as per high-level official sources.