At a joint press statement held at the President’s Office in Malé, President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, formally announced a broad-based framework of enhanced cooperation with India, following official talks with His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. The event marked a key highlight of Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the Maldives, which coincides with the 60th anniversary of Maldives–India diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of Maldivian independence.
President Muizzu opened his remarks by reaffirming India’s central role in the Maldives’ development journey. He noted that the discussions had produced meaningful outcomes, including the signing of eight new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, defence, housing, and economic development.
Among the key outcomes was the announcement of a USD 565 million line of credit, which the President described as essential for meeting national development goals. The credit facility will support various large-scale initiatives, including public housing projects, the development of sports infrastructure, expansion of health services, and military facilities. He also welcomed India’s offer of a currency swap facility, which will assist the Maldives in maintaining economic stability during global financial uncertainties.
President Muizzu further praised India’s consistent and timely support in times of crisis, describing India as a first responder in disasters and emergencies. He specifically referenced India’s humanitarian assistance and commodity support under the longstanding bilateral trade agreement, which continues to ensure access to critical supplies and essential goods for the Maldivian population.
A strong focus of the joint discussion was on development projects that showcase the tangible impact of India–Maldives cooperation. President Muizzu highlighted the upcoming Malé–Thilafushi Bridge, a major India-supported infrastructure project—as a cornerstone of connectivity and regional integration. Additional milestones included the construction of 3,300 housing units, the virtual inauguration of extensive roadworks in Addu City, and the provision of 72 heavy vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Looking ahead, President Muizzu expressed his intention to pursue a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India, characterising it as a timely step toward enhancing bilateral commerce and deepening regional economic ties. He affirmed that a comprehensive roadmap for future cooperation had been jointly developed, setting the stage for expanded collaboration in trade, climate resilience, digital transformation, and people-to-people engagement.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Modi echoed these sentiments, noting that India has always prioritised its relationship with the Maldives. He reaffirmed that “for India, it is friendship first,” and that the Maldives remains one of India’s most important maritime neighbours under its Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies. Prime Minister Modi also welcomed the Maldives’ endorsement of India’s candidature to host COP33, reflecting growing alignment on global environmental leadership.
President Muizzu also underscored the deep people-to-people connections between the two countries, noting that centuries of cultural exchange, familial ties, and educational collaboration continue to nurture goodwill and mutual understanding. With India being one of the Maldives’ top tourism source markets, both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in the tourism sector by improving connectivity, including the introduction of new direct flights to facilitate easier travel between the two nations.
The joint press event concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to reinforcing the Maldives–India relationship through shared values, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation. For international tourists and business investors, the outcomes of this visit underscore a continued focus on national stability, infrastructure growth, enhanced public services, and regional peace, making the Maldives an increasingly attractive and secure destination supported by strong global partnerships.
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