India, July 29 -- Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Maldives on July 25-26, 2025, was a defining moment in the evolving relationship between two Indian Ocean neighbors. Marking the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence and diplomatic ties, this visit was much more than ceremonial pomp.

It was a carefully calibrated diplomatic gesture aimed at resetting, deepening, and future-proofing one of India's most sensitive and strategic partnerships.

India and the Maldives have had a special relationship for decades, shaped by their geography, culture, and need for each other. But recent changes in Maldivian domestic politics and the island nation's growing ties with China have put this relationship to the test. PM Modi...