India Remains Top Partner for Maldives Despite China Presence

India has been the biggest development partner of Maldives for decades, funding major infrastructure projects. Maldives has high debt exposure to China.

Bilateral trade between India and Maldives has grown significantly to $937 million in 2022-23.

In August 2022, India provided over $250 million in financial assistance to Maldives and signed agreements including on cybersecurity.

In November 2022, India provided additional $100 million financial assistance to Maldives.

India has funded projects in Maldives across sectors like education, health, community development worth hundreds of crores, including the National College for Police and Law Enforcement.