During his two-day visit to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. He received a grand welcome in the capital city, Male, including a traditional parade and a Guard of Honour from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The MNDF also presented PM Modi with a traditional gift called ‘Haiykolhu’, a symbol of respect and hospitality.
Key Announcements and Agreements:
₹4,850 Crore Line of Credit
India has agreed to give the Maldives a new Line of Credit worth ₹4,850 crore. This money, which will be used for development projects like building infrastructure, is the first to be given in Indian rupees instead of U.S. dollars. This change will make the process easier and more beneficial for both countries. India and the Maldives also updated an earlier dollar-based loan agreement.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Talks Begin
President Muizzu and PM Modi also agreed to start negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries. This will help increase trade, make imports and exports easier, and strengthen economic ties.
Read more: Narendra Modi Breaks Indira Gandhi’s Record, Becomes India’s 2nd Longest-Serving PM
Agreements in Other Sectors
Several other agreements were signed to boost cooperation in different areas, including:
- Fisheries and Aquaculture – to support fishing and sea farming industries
- Digital Services – promoting digital growth in the Maldives
- Weather and Climate Research – a deal between India’s Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Maldives Meteorological Services
- Healthcare – Maldives agreed to recognise India’s Pharmacopoeia (official book of drug standards)
Support for Defence and Housing
India handed over 72 large vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force to improve their operations. Additionally, India is helping complete a housing project of 4,000 units, with the remaining 3,300 homes now being delivered.
Tourism and Connectivity
The leaders also discussed ways to boost tourism, including the launch of direct flights between the two countries. India continues to be an important partner for Maldives in tourism and healthcare.
President Muizzu praised India for its continued support, calling the Greater Male Connectivity Project a lasting symbol of the strong India-Maldives friendship.
