[2][3][4] However, tensions have increased as President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu has imposed an "India-Out" campaign and the country is deepening ties with China.

[2][3] India has provided extensive economic aid and has participated in bilateral programmes for the development of infrastructure, health, telecommunications and labour resources.

[2][3] It established the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Malé, the capital of Maldives, expanded telecommunications and air links and increased scholarships for Maldivian students.

[8] In April 2006, the Indian Navy gifted a Trinkat Class Fast Attack Craft of 46 m length to the Maldives National Defence Force's Coast Guard.

The move comes after the moderate Islamic nation approached New Delhi earlier in 2009, over fears that one of its island resorts could be taken over by terrorists given its lack of military assets and surveillance capabilities.

[11] India has also signed an agreement which includes following:[11] The 1988 Maldives coup d'état attempt was by a group of Maldivians led by businessman Abdullah Luthufi and assisted by armed mercenaries of a Tamil secessionist organisation from Sri Lanka, the People's Liberation Organisation of Tamil Eelam, to overthrow the government in the island republic of Maldives.

The mercenaries quickly gained control of the capital, including the major government buildings, airport, port, television and radio stations.

The Indian Navy frigates Godavari and Betwa intercepted the freighter off the Sri Lankan coast, and captured the mercenaries.

India came to rescue by initiating Operation Neer sending its heavy lift transporters like C-17 Globemaster III, Il-76 carrying bottled water.

In April 2020, India provided $150 million currency swap support to help Maldives mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19.

[20] Also in April, at the request of the Maldivian government, the Indian Air Force airlifted 6.2 tonnes of essential medicines and hospital consumables to Maldives, as part of 'Operation Sanjeevani'.

Working closely with the Maldivian authorities, the Indian Navy has conducted joint exercises, provided training to personnel, aided in infrastructure development, and facilitated the transfer of equipment.

[24] Relations faced a strain in January 2024 due to derogatory remarks by Maldivian officials and concerns over racism, targeted towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as India.

[28] On May 9, Indian ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal the diplomatic meeting between S Jaishankar and his Maldivian counter part Zameer.

India extended a $50 million line of credit to Maldives for defense projects, mainly for the development, support and maintenance of the harbour of the Uthuru Thila Falhu Naval Base.

With a total funding of $100 million, it represented the largest climate adaptation effort implemented in the Maldives through international collaboration.