Strategic Partnerships, Infrastructure Support, and New MoUs Highlight a Strengthened Indian Ocean Bond
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in Malé on Friday, marking a warm and forward-looking chapter in India-Maldives relations. The meeting, held at the President’s Office, was part of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to mark the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence and the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The visit was marked by symbolic gestures and key deliverables—including new development projects, defence cooperation, and digital linkages.
Ceremonial Welcome, Historic Milestones
Prime Minister Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square in Malé. He extended his congratulations to President Muizzu and the Maldivian people on their 60 years of independence and 60 years of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.
Both leaders reaffirmed their nations’ centuries-old ties—strengthened by shared history, people-to-people bonds, and a vision for regional peace.
📜 Key Outcomes of the Meeting
🔹 Strategic & Economic Cooperation
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Reviewed progress under the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
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India reiterated its commitment to Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR policies.
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President Muizzu acknowledged India as the “First Responder” in times of Maldivian crisis.
🔹 New Agreements Exchanged (6 MoUs):
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Fisheries and Aquaculture
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Meteorology
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Digital Public Infrastructure (including UPI integration)
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Acceptance of RuPay cards and trade in local currencies
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Indian Pharmacopoeia collaboration
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Line of Credit agreement worth ₹4,850 crore (~$550 million)
📉 An amended credit agreement also reduced Maldives’s debt repayment by 40%—from $51 million to $29 million annually.
🔹 Proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
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Terms of Reference exchanged
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Focus on expanding trade, tourism, and digital economy cooperation
Defence, Health, and Infrastructure Boosts
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Inaugurated roads and drainage projects in Addu City (virtually)
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Launched 6 new community development projects
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Handed over:
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3,300 social housing units
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72 vehicles for Maldivian defence and immigration
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2 units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes (BHISHM), equipped to treat up to 200 casualties and operate independently for 72 hours
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In a joint show of environmental commitment, PM Modi and President Muizzu planted mango saplings, linking India’s “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” campaign with the Maldives’s “5 Million Trees” pledge.
Global South Partnership & Terrorism Condemnation
The two leaders agreed to work together on:
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Climate change
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Renewable energy
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Disaster risk reduction
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Weather science cooperation
President Muizzu also strongly condemned the recent Pahalgam terror attack and expressed solidarity with India in the global fight against terrorism.
India and the Maldives have expanded their cooperation across defence, economy, and public welfare in recent years. Despite political differences in the past, both sides now appear committed to mutual respect, strategic trust, and regional peace in the Indian Ocean.
