New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- India's aid to neighbouring Maldives in Budget 2025 increased by Rs.120 crore compared to last year's allocation. This year, the government has promised a grant of Rs.600 crore to Maldives-an increase of 27 percent from Rs.400 crore allotted last year (revised to Rs.470 crore).

In 2024, India had significantly slashed the amount of aid given to the Maldives by 48 per cent - compared to Rs.770 crore allotted in 2023.

Does the latest spike in the assistance hint at improved diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives?

The diplomatic relations between Maldives and India soured in early January 2024. A row between the two countries erupted after a few Maldivian MPs interpreted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to...