Indian media headlines highlight Muizzu’s shift in rhetoric from "India Out" to "Thank You India"

Indian media outlets have headlined President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s shifting rhetoric, noting his transition from the "India Out" campaign to expressing gratitude with "Thank You, India" following his walk across the bridge connecting Malé and Villimalé, constructed with Indian government assistance.

President Muizzu, accompanied by several cabinet ministers, conducted an inspection on Sunday of the bridge construction progress between Malé and Villimalé, being developed under the Greater Malé Connectivity Project.

Indian media outlets reporting on the visit noted that the President expressed his gratitude for India's ongoing assistance, describing the bridge as a monument symbolizing the enduring partnership between the two nations.

President Muizzu visited the Malé-Villingili section of the 6.74-kilometer Thilamalé Bridge on August 30, coinciding with Engineers' Day, accompanied by the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, and senior officials from the project contractor, Afcons. The final segment of the bridge connecting Male and Villingili was joined last week. With this milestone, the two islands have been linked by land for the first time in history.

"This is a vital infrastructure project that symbolizes the strong and long-standing friendship between the Maldives and India," President Muizzu stated. The President expressed his gratitude to the Indian government and the High Commissioner for the priority accorded to this project and for their ongoing efforts to further strengthen the close ties between the two nations.

Speaking at the project site, the President stated that the physical connection of the two islands marks a significant milestone for the project. He further expressed confidence that if the current pace of work is maintained, the entire project is expected to be completed within a year at most.

President Muizzu inspects the progress of the Thilamalé Bridge project - August 30, 2026 | President's Office

The $500 million Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) is a flagship initiative launched by President Solih’s administration with the assistance of India. The project was officially inaugurated on August 2, 2022, by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It stands as India's largest infrastructure project undertaken abroad. The project aims to link Malé, Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi via a bridge network to expand transportation, boost economic activity, and strengthen social ties. As one of the largest infrastructure developments in Maldivian history, Indian media has characterized the project as a central pillar of the robust partnership between India and the Maldives in regional development.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are participating in the concrete pouring ceremony for the bridge piers, marking the official commencement of physical works on the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), also known as the Thilamalé Bridge. | President's Office

Indian media outlets reporting on this news noted that although President Muizzu, who took office in November 2023, built his presidential campaign on the "India Out" slogan, relations with India have significantly improved recently. The reports further highlighted that the President's visit to inspect the bridge project is part of ongoing efforts to elevate bilateral ties to new heights, following his attendance at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony last June and subsequent high-level discussions between the two nations.