India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the Maldives as the Guest of Honor for Independence Day celebrations.

Modi's visit to the Maldives marks his first official trip since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.

The neighboring country’s MEA noted that PM Modi will be attending as the 'Guest of Honor' at the official ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of Maldives' independence on July 26.

The statement released by India’s Ministry of External Affairs goes on to read that the Prime Minister will visit the Maldives from July 25 to 26, 2025, at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, and that this will be the Prime Minister's third visit to the Maldives, and the first high-level visit from India during Muizzu's presidency

Further highlighting that PM Modi will meet with the Maldivian leader and discuss issues of mutual importance to both countries, the MEA statement goes on to note that the two leaders will also review the progress made in implementing the 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' vision agreed upon during the Maldivian President's official visit to India in October 2024.

India’s MEA highlighted that the visit demonstrates the significance India places on the Maldives, which holds a special position as a neighboring country under India's 'Neighborhood First' policy and Indian Ocean vision. The ministry also stated that the trip would provide an opportunity to further expand and strengthen the close relationship between the two countries.