Former President Mohamed Nasheed has shown hope that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s imminent trip to the Maldives will enhance tourist numbers from India. 

Modi is set to land in Maldives next Friday for a two-day official visit. 

In a discussion with Asian News International (ANI), Nasheed mentioned that the construction of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, financed via an Indian line of credit, will greatly enhance travel connectivity for Indian visitors. 

“The construction and inauguration of the airport will significantly benefit Indian travelers heading to the Maldives, particularly since it is located only one hour from southern Indian cities,” Nasheed stated. “Maldives will always embrace the warm-hearted individuals from India.” 

The Hanimaadhoo airport initiative is among the most significant infrastructure projects in progress in the Maldives. India's Kalpatharu Projects is building it, and it is expected to be finished by September. The project is funded through an $800 million credit line from India’s EXIM Bank, with USD 136 million (MVR 2 billion) designated specifically for the airport. 

Upon completion, the enhanced airport will include a new 2.7-kilometer runway, a terminal designed to accommodate 1.3 million passengers each year, a new air traffic control tower, a cargo facility, and a fuel farm. The infrastructure will have the capacity to support large international airplanes. 

Nasheed stated, “I think the influx of Indian tourists will rise with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit,” emphasizing that a robust bilateral relationship would keep benefiting both countries. Nasheed has historically fostered strong connections with India and has actively advocated for relations between the Maldives and India. 

Prior to the recent diplomatic strains, India was the Maldives' biggest tourism source market. Relations between the two nations have since stabilized, and Indian visitors are once again increasing. 

Prime Minister Modi shared on social media platform X that he is honored to take part in the festivities celebrating the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. He also emphasized the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives, which began on November 1. 

Modi conveyed assurance that his forthcoming trip would enhance the strong and historical relations between India and the Maldives.