Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives on its 60th Independence Day, President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday announced the start of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two nations.
As both countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties, President Muizzu highlighted that four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three agreements were signed in the presence of PM Modi. He praised India’s key role in helping the Maldives tackle economic and liquidity challenges.
“Today, we released a commemorative stamp to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Modi and I had wide-ranging talks. We reviewed our development journey and charted the path for future cooperation,” Muizzu said.
During their meeting in Male, President Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming the second-longest consecutively serving Prime Minister of India.
He praised PM Modi’s leadership and consistent efforts in strengthening India’s global standing, while also highlighting the positive impact of his tenure on fostering closer ties between India and the Maldives.
Muizzu noted that such sustained leadership plays a vital role in building long-term partnerships and ensuring regional stability.
Seven Pacts Signed, Line of Credit Extended
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to the Maldives—following trips in 2018 and 2019—and the first during President Muizzu’s tenure, which began in November 2023.
Muizzu said the leaders witnessed the signing of seven pacts, including a Line of Credit (LoC) worth USD 565 million. The LoC will fund priority projects in defence, sports, health care, education, and housing. He also welcomed the start of FTA talks, calling it a major step in India-Maldives cooperation.
India supported the Maldives with a USD 400 million currency swap and rolled over a Treasury bill interest-free in May 2025. Muizzu called the Greater Malé Connectivity Project a ‘lasting symbol’ of the India-Maldives partnership.
President Muizzu thanked India for gifting 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force and handing over 3,300 housing units as part of a 4,000-flat project. He said India remains the Maldives’ main partner in the health sector, noting the donation of medical cubes for remote island support.
He called India a ‘key source market’ for tourism and said both sides discussed expanding tourism through new direct flights. On environmental cooperation, he said they explored technical support in waste management, biodiversity, renewable energy, and water and sanitation.
Muizzu further assured full support for India as the host of COP33 and expressed confidence in India’s global leadership. He stressed that people-to-people ties through tourism, education, and cultural exchanges form the foundation of India-Maldives cooperation.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to deepen ties with India across all major sectors through continued high-level engagements.
Also Read: PM Modi Receives Ceremonial Welcome & Guard Of Honour In Maldives
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