President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states India has always been a trusted development partner of the Maldives.
He made the remark in a post on X on Friday, extending greetings on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government and people of India.
“May the festivities of this day echo the spirit and achievements of the people of India,” he added.
The President underscored that India has always been a trusted development partner of the Maldives, while expressing deep appreciation for the increased high-level exchanges and people-to-people contact between both countries, which he said underscores the strong cooperation both nations have built.
I extend my heartfelt greetings to Her Excellency President Droupadi Murmu @rashtraptibhvn, His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi, the government, and the friendly people of India on their Independence Day.May the festivities of this day echo the spirit and… pic.twitter.com/Eh4CznwOg6
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) August 15, 2025
Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Maldives’ 60th Independence Day events as the chief guest during his state visit to the Maldives back in July.
The current Maldivian government came to power after leading the “India Out” campaign, which called for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. This initially strained relations, with India expressing displeasure and the Muizzu government being labeled “pro-China” by some. 
Tensions escalated early in the administration when several deputy ministers made inflammatory remarks about Modi and the Indian people. However, the government has since made significant efforts to mend ties, highlighted by President Muizzu’s attendance at Modi’s third-term swearing-in ceremony in June 2024.