India’s benevolence shines in Maldives’ hour of need

India has once again demonstrated its commitment to global welfare by extending a helping hand to the Maldives, despite political differences and diplomatic challenges. It can be gauged from how it helped the tiny nation of the Maldives sail through financial challenges and a recent food crisis. India also has continued to work on promised development works. India has done all this even after the new President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu’s unprofessional and arrogant behaviour toward it.

Now India has decided to extend vital budgetary support to the Maldives government over a request from Maldivian foreign minister Moosa Zameer.  “This is a true gesture of goodwill which signifies the longstanding friendship between Maldives and India,’’ Zameer said.  India showed a big heart even after Muizzu ran an anti-India campaign to win elections and later to please China. India has already allocated INR 771 crore to Maldives this year. 

People in Maldives have expressed gratitude towards India for playing the role of big brother. India is the only country that came to Maldives’ rescue after the economic situation deteriorated. International Monetary Fund (IMF) pointed out the high level of the current account deficit, which made Maldives financially vulnerable.  Maldives thanked India for the budgetary support saying it is “highly appreciative of the generous support that Government of India has been providing.” 

The Maldivian government said it was hopeful of a collaborative partnership with India for the benefit of its people.  “Large number of infrastructural developmental projects and High Impact Community Developmental projects are underway with the assistance from the Government of India, which consists of a notable part as grant assistance. The Government of Maldives looks forward in continuing this collaborative partnership for the mutual benefit and prosperity of their people,” it said in a statement.  

The pro-China Muizzu had demanded a few Indian security personnel engaged in development works leave the Maldives amid growing pressure from Beijing, which has been trying to expand its military footprints in the Indian Ocean Region. New Delhi however showed great restraint and focused on sustained communication. When the island nation faced a food crisis in the summer of 2024, India quickly tweaked trade norms and ensured supplies of essential commodities such as rice, wheat and onions.  

The show of big heart by India was appreciated by the people of the Maldives. A Maldivian named Ali Ibrahim thanked India for helping the country for decades. Taking a dig at Muizzu, Ali said “Even before you delved into politics, India has been doing the same, from Indira Gandhi to 
Narendra Modi (both Indian prime ministers). There is nothing new, and the relationship is evolving and taking a better shape.”  

Muizzu’s comments against India had vitiated the atmosphere and relations between the two countries. However, many in the Maldives opposed Muizzu and continued to term India its strong ally.  They thanked India for extending support at the time of distress. “We appreciate the Indian government's provision of food and assistance to the Maldives, as well as its forgiveness of our India Out campaign,” said a person named Isna. 

The rising pro-India public sentiments have had an impact on the Muizzu government as the Maldives has adopted a pro-India approach and sought stronger friendship and cooperation. Muizzu congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on getting re-elected. Modi thanked and called the bilateral relationship “special”.  

The proactive and generous help from New Delhi has driven the Muizzu government to reinstate its confidence in India. Muizzu called India “closest ally”.  He even asserted that none of his statements were aimed at straining relations with India. New Delhi too forgave what happened and promised its neighbour to help in its development. "India remains strongly committed to supporting human-centric development in the Maldives, as part of its 'Neighbourhood First policy,” it said.