“India is a friend of Maldives and India will, and always has, stood shoulder to shoulder with Maldives, whether it was for any requirement because of natural disasters or anything man-made, we have always been there.”

High Commissioner of India to Maldives G. Balasubramanian reasserted in a conversation with The Edition that Maldives and India have historically shared a close bond.

“Geographically, we are neighbours. We have had historical relations which date back to many centuries ago,” he said, “The ocean between us has been traversed by all our people for so many years.”

Asked about tensions in the relationship between Maldives and India during the early days of the current administration, the High Commissioner dismissed it as nothing more than a small ripple in a large ocean.

“We are democracies and we understand democracy. There has been absolutely no let down or let up in regard to our relationship which is based on a very solid foundation,” he stated.

“The Foreign Ministries continue to meet with each other, the embassies meet with each other and there has been regular interaction which has always helped with understanding each other.”

“Our relationship is strong and I am very happy that it continues to grow.”

High Commissioner Subramanian stated that this would be a very important visit, with it being a reciprocal visit following President Mohamed Muizzu’s first State Visit being to India last year.

Commenting on the visit, the High Commissioner stated, “There are various areas, whether it is in terms of capacity development, or whether it is in terms of infrastructure development, we are working on various areas. Including probably a bilateral investment treaty, terms of reference for the free trade agreement. All these things are under negotiation and I’m sure the relationship will be on a further stronger footing.”

“I wouldn’t say that it is because of any assistance that our friendship exists, India is always there for Maldives.”

The High Commissioner highlighted that it is because of the close relations between the countries that India has always stepped up to assist Maldives whenever it is in need.

“We have always been the first responder, whether it was the 1988 coup attempt, or the tsunami of 2004, or the water crisis in 2014, covid, which happened subsequently, and during covid we were the only ones who had operated the bubble - tourist movement between our two countries - and whether it is the emergency financial assistance that we had extended.”

He said that India has always been there for Maldives because their concept is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ - The Whole World is One Family or One Earth, One Family, One Future.

He further explained the concept, “When I grow, I want my neighbours to grow with me. I want my cousins to grow with me. I want my friends to grow with me.”

“India is now today the fourth largest economy in the world and it is growing at a very good speed of 6.5 to 7 percent per annum as per IMF and other things. The GDP growth is quite strong. At the same time, as part of the global south, we also want our friends, our neighbours to grow along with us. So we are very happy to share our experiences, technology and where needed, any direct assistance also.”

“So the relationship is something which is very strong which is based on solid facts,” he reiterated.

“So I would not actually focus on a small period of time or any change in that, it is a regular relationship which has been nurtured by our leadership on both sides over a period of many decades and India continues to be the friend of Maldives.”

High Commissioner Balasubramanian reflected on how India had contributed towards sustaining tourism in Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Because of the bubble arrangement that was made by the two countries, India was the largest supplier at that time because nobody else was coming in.”

Asked about the recent dip in tourist arrivals from India, and whether this was an effect of the diplomatic tensions that had previously risen between the two countries, the High Commissioner responded that he is confident an increase will be seen in tourist arrivals.

“Yes, of course, subsequently there has been a dip and other countries have actually overtaken india in terms of the number of tourists that they are sending. But, the figures can speak for themselves in the sense that last year, in 2024, we had more than 140,000 Indian tourists come, and this year, till June, more than 60,000 have come in. By the way, the one millionth tourist was an Indian.”

He also commended the MMPRC’s efforts in promoting Maldives as a tourist destination in India, mentioning the appointment of Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif as the brand ambassador for Visit Maldives.

He also referenced ongoing negotiations with the government of Maldives to introduce UPI in the Maldives, which will facilitate a local currency settlement system for Indian visitors in the Maldives, which he believes will further attract Indian tourists.

“What one should also be aware of is that Indian tourists travel at a different timing than international tourists because of the school holidays and various other things which happen at different times compared to the Western world. There will be an uptick and I am sure we certainly will be increasing the number of tourists that are coming over here, more than the last year.”

“Every project, every country, every company which is involved in any of the project, it is their aim to finish within the time that is allocated. And there may be some extenuating circumstances under which there could be some extension that could be served. But that would be depending on the complexities of the project and difficulties in logistics and certain aspects of it,” the High Commissioner said.

“We are very sure that we will complete the projects, that we will overcome the engineering difficulties, the complexities. For example, GMCP (Greater Male’ Connectivity Project) you said, that was one of the deepest boring we have done, in the sense that navigation areas, channels, which had more than 55m of water. And then we have to put another 65m of piling beneath the surface. So this is a little unprecedented, it has not been done. And similarly, navigation segments that are being lifted and put in over there are 260 tonnes each. So, it’s a great project,” he added.

“Yes, there have been certain engineering complexities which have now been overcome. And we are confident that we should be completing it in a very pristine manner for our Maldivian friends.”

“We are neighbours, we will be neighbours, and we are the ones who have been the occupants of the Indian Ocean region for eons, centuries and millenia.”

“So it is in our interest that we ensure the security of this region," he said, adding, "And to ensure that the security and sovereignty of both our countries are intact. So, it is very important for us to coordinate and cooperate."

High Commissioner Subramanian also extended Independence Day greetings to Maldivians as the country prepares to mark 6 decades of independence on Jul 26, 2025.

“I would be very happy to felicitate Maldives for the 60th Independence Day which is coming up on 26th and also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. So through you, I would like to convey my best wishes to all your viewers and all your readers.”

Watch the video for the full conversation with the High Commissioner of India to Maldives G. Balasubramanian.