India has been a strong ally of Maldives over the years, despite strained ties shortly after Dr. Muizzu assumed power.
![[File] President Dr Mohamed Muizzu with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during President Muizzu's recent state visit to the country -- Photo: President's Office](https://cdn.mihaaru.com/photos/2024/10/07/402532_4_990a092a3cd3ba1a908c04e30bc61edebf4160fe_thumb.jpeg)
India has decided to increase the amount of aid allocated to Maldives in the 2025-2026 budget.
According to the budget presented today, USD69 million (MVR 1 billion) has been allocated for Maldives. The 2024-2025 budget approved last year allocated USD 54 million (MVR 833 million). That was USD 18 million below the estimate for the year. The initial aid estimate for Maldives that year was USD 72 million (MVR 1.1 billion).
Since then, India has pledged about USD 250 million (MVR 3.9 billion) in aid to the countries. The largest aid is allocated to Nepal at USD 80 million (MVR 1.2 billion).
The second largest biggest aid package is allocated to Maldives, which is about 25 percent of the budget allocated for other countries.
Despite the strained relations between the two neighbouring countries when President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu took office, India and Maldives' ties have been on the mend since the president's visit to India. This year, Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel also traveled to the country.
India's third biggest aid allocation is for Mauritius, standing at USD 58 million (MVR 894 million).
Other countries receiving assistance include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Seychelles.
India passed a budget of USD 293 million (MVR 4.5 billion) to disburse as foreign aid last year.
Sign In![[File] President Dr Mohamed Muizzu with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during President Muizzu's recent state visit to the country -- Photo: President's Office](https://cdn.mihaaru.com/photos/2024/10/07/402532_4_990a092a3cd3ba1a908c04e30bc61edebf4160fe_medium.jpeg)