Foreign Policy

Follow us for updates on Maldives' foreign relations as the country navigate ties in a complex geopolitical environment. 🇲🇻

[Abdulla Shahid @abdulla_shahid]

Tonight, President @MMuizzu inaugurated the new Hanimadhoo International Airport, marking the completion of a major project that began with assistance from the Indian government during President @ibusolih’s administration. My deepest gratitude to President @ibusolih for this great initiative and to the Prime Minister of India Shri @narendramodi , the government and people of India for their generous assistance.

It is indeed ironic that President @MMuizzu and his colleagues, while in opposition, labeled the Hanimaadhoo Airport Project as an Indian military initiative. Construction workers were falsely called Indian soldiers, fueling a dangerous nationalist narrative. Every Indian‑supported project was politicized to inflame anti‑India sentiment, turning international cooperation into a political weapon. Yet, in a striking twist of fate, President Muizzu has now inaugurated the very project his campaign once vilified—a project made possible by the same partners his government sought to demonize.

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀’ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮: 𝗔 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗹

When Maldives Foreign Minister Dr. @abkhaleel landed in New Delhi on March 17, 2025, the stakes were evident. The airport reception—handshakes with Maldivian High Commissioner Aishath Azeema and senior Indian diplomats—was the customary choreography of diplomacy.

But behind the pleasantries, the reality was far grimmer: the Maldives is running out of money, out of time, and possibly out of options.

Khaleel’s visit aligns with the 10th Raisina Dialogue, India’s premier strategic affairs conference, where he will join a panel ominously titled “Climate Cataclysm: The Adaptation Agenda is Gasping.” Climate change is existential for the Maldives, but at this moment, it is not the most immediate crisis.

With total debt surpassing $8.2 billion—116% of GDP—and foreign reserves dwindling, the real battle is economic survival. The numbers paint a harrowing picture. Moody’s downgraded the Maldives to Caa2, citing "elevated default risks," while upcoming debt obligations—$600 million in 2025 and a staggering $1 billion in 2026—loom over a nation already teetering.

The bilateral meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. @DrSJaishankar is not just important—it is essential.

India has been the Maldives' safety net before, responding to everything from natural disasters to financial distress. Last year, New Delhi extended a $400 million currency swap and rolled over $100 million in treasury bills. But the calculus is different now.

Maldives, under President Dr. @MMuizzu, has spent much of the past leaning toward China—his early visits to Beijing and Ankara, the "India Out" campaign, the rhetoric of shifting alliances. But economic reality has a way of bending even the most ideological postures.

Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024 marked a quiet recalibration. Despite tensions, India boosted its budgetary allocation for the Maldives to Rs 600 crore.

Still, trust remains delicate. In New Delhi, the concern is not just whether Male will default, but what comes after—whether financial collapse makes the Maldives more vulnerable to Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean, a scenario India is determined to prevent.

Khaleel’s task in New Delhi is as much about reassurance as it is about negotiation.

India does not want to be Male’s lender of last resort if it means underwriting policies that favor Beijing. The unspoken expectation is clear: New Delhi’s support will hinge on commitments—fiscal discipline, debt transparency, and a curtailing of China's expanding footprint.

Diplomacy at this level is always a balancing act. The Maldives needs India’s help, but it cannot afford to alienate China, the architect of much of its modern infrastructure. For Khaleel, this is a moment of high-stakes maneuvering.

He must secure a financial lifeline without making it seem like a concession. He must rebuild trust with New Delhi without completely severing ties with Beijing.

And he must do it all before time, and money, run out.

@MoFAmv
@HCIMaldives @narendramodi

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 @MoFAmv]

The fifth bilateral review meeting between 🇲🇻 - 🇮🇳 on Indian LoC projects, co-chaired by #Maldives and #India, & attended by officials from @MEAIndia, @IndiaEximBank, and GOM agencies, reviewed ongoing projects and addressed challenges for progress. @HCIMaldives

[Abdulla Khaleel @abkhaleel]

It was a distinct honour to engage in constructive discussions with my esteemed counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan.

We focused on further enhancing our longstanding historical and brotherly ties, underscoring our mutual commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors.

I further extended our sincere gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia for being a key partner in our development efforts, and also for the special consideration the Kingdom always accord to the Maldivian people.

Conveyed our firm commitment to work closely together to further consolidate the strong ties of friendship between the #Maldives and #SaudiArabia.

@KSAMOFA

[Abdulla Khaleel @abkhaleel]

Met with High Commissioner of Canada @AmbEricWalsh and DG @hannan_ml of Global Affairs 🇨🇦, this morning.

We discussed ways to enhance relations between 🇲🇻and 🇨🇦 by promoting closer connections between people and boosting collaboration on both bilateral and multilateral levels.

@CanHCSriLanka

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

Raaje-India gulhun fulhaakuran Modi, Raees Muizzu eh visnumeggai https://t.co/TiwEarNAiq

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

“𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀' 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹,” 𝗦𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁

Estonia has expressed its readiness to strengthen ties with Maldives by sharing its expertise in digital governance and supporting the country’s digital transformation efforts. During a meeting with Maldivian President Dr. @MMuizzu, Estonian President Alar Karis emphasized the importance of advancing mutual interests in innovation, cybersecurity, and climate resilience.

President Karis highlighted the significance of defending international law, referring to the global impact of the Ukraine conflict and its relevance to smaller nations like Maldives. He praised Maldives’ proactive approach to climate adaptation and invited the country to participate in the World Cleanup Day campaign, an environmental movement founded in Estonia that promotes global community action for a cleaner planet.

The discussions also touched on energy diversification, with both leaders showing interest in exploring sustainable energy solutions.

@abkhaleel @MoFAmv

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

Estonia's President Alar Karis has said that small nations must unite to defend international law and the UN Charter, adding that the Maldives' commitment to these principles is highly valued.

His remarks were made on the occasion of Maldivian President Dr. @MMuizzu's official visit to Estonia, during which he also expressed readiness for both nations to deepen cooperation in climate action, digital innovation, and cyber resilience.

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

Maldivian President Dr. @MMuizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Kadriorg's Presidential Palace during his historic inaugural visit to Estonia—the first by any Maldivian president.

The ceremony included a guard of honour inspection alongside Estonian President Dr. Alar Karis.

This landmark visit focuses on strengthening bilateral ties in the digital, cyber, and e-governance domains, drawing inspiration from Estonia’s globally renowned digital success.

The trip is expected to open new avenues for the Maldives in its digital transformation journey, setting the stage for innovation and enhanced public service delivery.

@MoFAmv @presidencymv

[Government of Maldives @governmentmv]

The first official visit by a Maldivian President to Estonia, a leading nation in digital governance and e-services, is scheduled to take place from January 13 to 16, 2025. 🇪🇪🇲🇻
#MaldivesEstonia

[Dr. S. Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar]

Pleased to welcome FM @abkhaleel of Maldives to New Delhi.

Discussed our development cooperation and economic, security, fintech and people to people ties. Also signed agreement on implementing the next phase of High Impact Community Development Projects #HICDP in Maldives.

India will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives’ progress and prosperity, in line with our Neighbourhood First policy and vision SAGAR.

🇮🇳 🇲🇻

[DD India @DDIndialive]

#WATCH | MoUs were exchanged between EAM @DrSJaishankar and Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Khaleel @abkhaleel

@MEAIndia @HCIMaldives

[Abdulla Khaleel @abkhaleel]

Delighted to meet with the Minister of External Affairs of India @DrSJaishankar, in New Delhi today during my Official visit to #India.

We reviewed the progress of our bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed our strong commitment to enhancing engagements across key sectors.

I conveyed our appreciation for India’s unwavering support and assistance to the Maldives throughout our long history of relations.

We are resolute in strengthening our partnership based on mutual trust and respect, for the benefit and prosperity of our peoples.

After the meeting we signed the HICDP MoU, launching the Third Phase of project-based cooperation aimed at directly benefiting people at the grassroots level.

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

https://t.co/FT7vOhE6Zh

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮: 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗕𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Sri Lankan President @anuradisanayake, during his inaugural visit to India as President, explicitly assured Prime Minister @narendramodi that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used in any manner detrimental to India's security interests.

The visit, marking Dissanayake's first overseas trip since assuming office, underscored the pivotal role India plays in Sri Lanka's foreign policy landscape. During the high-level talks in New Delhi, the leaders discussed a broad spectrum of bilateral issues, including trade, defense cooperation, energy, BRICS membership, and maritime security, particularly focusing on curbing illegal fishing activities in the shared waters.

President Dissanayake expressed gratitude for India's support during Sri Lanka's recent economic turmoil, acknowledging the assistance in debt restructuring which has been crucial for Sri Lanka's recovery. The discussions also ventured into future collaborations, with both nations exploring enhanced connectivity via new ferry and flight services, alongside infrastructure development like Sri Lanka's railway system.

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

𝗜𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮, 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀’ 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

At the Global Economic Policy Forum 2024—a critical gathering of policymakers aimed at shaping strategies for sustainable growth—Maldives’ Finance Minister @MoosaZameer presented a clear vision for advancing his nation’s interests in the global sustainability agenda.

Speaking to a packed and distinguished audience, including India’s Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Zameer commended India’s leadership in renewable energy, citing its 200GW milestone and the innovative EPIC Response framework in Assam, which integrates flood and drought management.

Zameer emphasized the Maldives’ ambitious pledge to source 33% of its energy from renewables by 2028, framing it as a vital step for a nation on the frontlines of climate change.

He spoke about the acute vulnerabilities faced by small island states like the Maldives—rising sea levels, intensifying weather events, and the inflation-driven burden of soaring energy and food costs.

At a time when Maldives grapples with fiscal challenges, Zameer stressed on the importance of debt sustainability, noting how pandemic-related borrowing and global inflation have strained small economies. “The challenge is to balance fiscal stability with the urgent needs of sustainability and equity,” he said, calling for international support through concessional financing and technology sharing.

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

Maldives Finance Minister @MoosaZameer participated in the opening plenary of the 'Global Economic Policy Forum 2024' in New Delhi, where he engaged in discussions on critical economic issues affecting global stability and growth.

His involvement highlighted the Maldives' commitment to international collaboration on economic policy, focusing on sustainable development and equitable growth strategies.

The recent affirmation of the Maldives' CAA2 credit rating by Moody's reflects positively on the economic stewardship of Minister Zameer, acknowledging his efforts in navigating the country's economic challenges towards a more stable future under President @MMuizzu

[Foreign Policy @ForeignPolicyMV]

𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗔𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗼𝗻 𝟰𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝘆

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering a more dynamic and inclusive South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), emphasizing its vital role in achieving shared aspirations and a prosperous future for South Asia.

In a message commemorating the 40th SAARC Charter Day, Dr. Muizzu extended greetings to the SAARC Secretary-General, Secretariat, affiliated institutions, and the people of South Asia. He highlighted the organization’s enduring mission to improve the lives of millions across the region since its inception.

Reflecting on the values enshrined in the SAARC Charter, Dr. Muizzu urged member states to address pressing challenges such as climate change, public health, and economic inequality. He called for renewed focus on sustainable development, innovation, and the enhancement of resilient infrastructure and regional connectivity.

SAARC Charter Day, observed annually on December 8, stands as a testament to the region's collective commitment to peace, cooperation, and progress.

@MMuizzu @presidencymv