As part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s state visit to the Maldives, Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Khaleel, held a courtesy meeting with the Indian leader, reaffirming the mutual commitment to deepen cooperation across a range of strategic and development areas. The meeting reflects the continued strengthening of the Maldives–India partnership, especially in light of evolving regional priorities and shared development goals.
During the meeting, held in Malé, Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi and his accompanying delegation, extending appreciation for India’s consistent engagement and contributions to the Maldives’ national development. He also reiterated the strong and long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries, which span over six decades of mutual respect and collaboration.
In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s steadfast commitment to working closely with the Maldives to advance cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure, health, education, defence, climate resilience, and digital transformation. He reaffirmed that India values its relationship with the Maldives as a trusted maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean region and is ready to support the country’s aspirations for sustainable development and national progress.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a shared understanding to continue strengthening bilateral relations through concrete action and enhanced policy alignment. The commitment to ongoing collaboration also underscores the Maldives’ central role in regional affairs and India’s long-standing position as one of its key development partners.
The courtesy call followed Prime Minister Modi’s official bilateral talks with President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The high-level talks were held at the President’s Office and included the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral agreements. The discussions covered wide-ranging sectors, with both leaders delivering joint press statements highlighting mutual achievements and future plans for cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to the Maldives marks his first official visit since beginning his third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India. It comes at a historic moment, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence and 60 years of formal diplomatic relations between Malé and New Delhi.
The visit has also included the inauguration of major development projects, community-level programmes, and formal handovers of Indian-funded infrastructure and aid, including portable hospital units, housing, and defence facilities, reinforcing the depth of the partnership.
India continues to play a central role in the Maldives’ economic development and capacity building efforts, with ongoing support that spans emergency medical services, maritime security, environmental sustainability, and digital governance. These joint efforts not only benefit both nations but contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity in the wider Indian Ocean.
For international visitors and investors, these strengthened ties ensure enhanced infrastructure, improved public services, and a more secure and resilient destination. As the Maldives positions itself as a leading destination for high-end tourism and climate-resilient development, its close collaboration with India remains a core pillar in achieving those long-term goals.
advertisment
advertisment
