A day after the Saudi Arabia-led alliance ended the standoff with Qatar, the Maldives decided to reinstate full diplomatic relations with Qatar. In June 2017, the Maldives had severed its ties with Qatar. 

Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid welcomed the decision of the Gulf Cooperation Council, ending the three and a half year-long diplomatic seize on Qatar. Taking to Twitter, he said, “I have had a fruitful discussion with Qatari authorities and am pleased to announce (the) Government of Maldives decision to reinstate full diplomatic relations with Qatar.” 

Expressing his pleasure over the resumption of ties, the Maldives’ speaker and the former President, Mohammad Nasheed said on Twitter, “It is good when Muslim nations resolve their differences and come together.” 

In 2017, when the Qatar crisis erupted, the Maldives cut off its ties with Qatar, saying the decision taken “because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism.” 

On 5 June 2017, Saudi Arabia, along with other nations like Bahrain, UAE, Egypt, cut its ties with Qatar, accusing it of financing terrorism and destabilizing the region. The countries also refused their air space to Qatari airline companies. Land and Water routes were also closed for Qatar. 

Various Qatar state-owned companies have their investments in the Indian Ocean archipelago.