PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Maldives; Signs Key MoUs And FTA Terms

PM Modi was warmly received by President Mohamed Muizzu upon arrival in Male, in a special gesture highlighting the significance of the visit.

The ceremonial welcome at Republic Square featured a guard of honour and a cultural performance by school children. PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception, calling it a symbol of the strong friendship between the two nations.

Bilateral Talks & Agreements

During discussions at the President’s Office, both leaders reviewed ongoing partnerships and reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation. Key areas of discussion included development, health, capacity building, digital economy, infrastructure, climate change, aquaculture, and renewable energy.

They also assessed progress under the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ signed in 2024.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X after the bilateral discussion, “They discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, capacity building, health, infrastructure, digital economy, aquaculture, climate change and renewable energy. The two leaders called for closer collaboration to enhance peace, progress and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.”

Free Trade Agreement & MoUs

One of the significant outcomes of the visit was the agreement on the Terms of Reference for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, including cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, digital transformation, meteorology, and pharmaceuticals.

India also extended a new Line of Credit (LoC) worth ₹4,850 crore and signed an amendatory agreement to ease the Maldives’ annual debt repayments under existing LoCs.

A notable MoU between NPCI International and the Maldives Monetary Authority will enable UPI services in the Maldives, strengthening digital payment systems.

India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) signed an MoU with the Maldives Meteorological Services for climate and weather-related collaboration.

Another MoU focused on sharing population-scale digital solutions between India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Maldives’ Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology.

PM Modi emphasised the enduring friendship between India and the Maldives and expressed hope for continued progress. This was his third official visit to the country and the first by a head of state since President Muizzu assumed office in 2023.

His participation as Guest of Honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations further underscores the strong and growing partnership between the two nations.

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