There is renewed dynamism in the traditionally close relationship between Maldives and India, states Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.

Taking to twitter after holding discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, FM Shahid wrote that it was a “great privilege” to meet with the Indian PM, whose first visit was to Maldives since his fresh re-election victory in the recent election held in India.

Shahid went on to highlight that the neighboring country has been a “constant friend” and a partner in the development journey of Maldives.

Modi left the Maldives after a two-day visit on Sunday, after concluding his first visit since re-election this May.

While Modi also visited Maldives to attend President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s inauguration ceremony in November 2018, President Solih’s maiden trip was to India as well.

During former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, the ties between Maldives and India had especially soured as the former administration took India’s close observance of the country’s democratic situation, as a threat. The distance also followed China’s growing influence in the Maldives during Yameen’s rule.

Ties have since been re-invigorated since President Solih assumed office. As such, India had provided a grant assistance of USD 6.9 million to the Maldives during former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit in March 2019.