Ties strong enough: India shrugs off anti-Modi post by Muizzu's brother-in-law

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 25, 2025 21:20 IST

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday brushed aside media queries about a now-deleted social media post by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s brother-in-law regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the latter’s visit. Misri said India is more focused on strengthening its positive relationship with the Maldives, nearly 10 months after Muizzu visited India.

Dismissing recent criticism from Muizzu's brother-in-law, Misri said, "Our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these passing remarks that have been made and have also withstood the test of time...I would prefer to look forward...By going with everything that has happened today and especially in the past 9-10 months since President Mohamed Muizzu visited India, the future is undoubtedly and unquestionably bright."

The statements were made in response to a deleted social media post by Abdullah bin Mohammed Ibrahim, who referred to PM Modi as a "terrorist".

PM Modi's visit to the Maldives resulted in several key agreements, including an extension of India's Line of Credit (LoC) to Rs 4,850 crore and kickstarting negotiations for an India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (IMFTA).

Highlighting the importance of security cooperation, Misri said, "Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu expressed his commitment to the importance that the Maldives attaches to security-related issues and the commitment of the two sides to continue to work together."

During his third official visit to the island nation, Prime Minister Modi also took part in the 60th Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives. He was warmly received by President Muizzu and other senior officials.

The visit saw the inauguration of various development projects, including the handing over of 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale and the launch of roads and drainage projects in Addu City. These projects reflect India's commitment to supporting infrastructure development in the Maldives.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, PM Modi said, "India and the Maldives are making significant efforts to further strengthen their mutual relations."

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