Male, Maldives – India and the Maldives solidified their robust bilateral relationship on Friday, exchanging eight crucial agreements covering a wide spectrum of sectors. The exchange took place in Male, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, signaling a renewed commitment to comprehensive cooperation between the two Indian Ocean nations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the developments on X, stating, “Delighted to exchange eight Agreements related to Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, fisheries & aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia and UPI in the presence of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu today in Male.” The President’s Office of the Maldives also officially acknowledged the event, confirming that President Muizzu “witnesses exchange of key MoUs and agreements between the Maldives and India.”
High-Level Discussions and Strategic Commitments
The exchange of agreements set the stage for detailed high-level discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu at the President’s Office in Male. During their meeting, the leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.’ Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to deepening bilateral ties, emphasizing its “Neighbourhood First” policy and “Vision MAHASAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
President Muizzu expressed his appreciation for India’s consistent role as the “First Responder” for the Maldives during crises. The discussions encompassed a broad range of cooperation areas, including development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action, and health. Both leaders called for further strengthening defense and maritime security cooperation, acknowledging their collaboration under the Colombo Security Conclave.
Economic and Digital Collaboration Take Center Stage
The economic partnership between the two countries was a key focus. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Bilateral Investment Treaty would unlock new opportunities for both nations. Recognizing the immense potential of the digital economy, especially in promoting tourism, PM Modi welcomed recent understandings on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) adoption, the acceptance of RuPay cards, and facilitating trade in local currencies. The leaders underscored that the close development partnership was adding significant value to the already strong people-to-people ties.
As partners from the Global South, Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu affirmed their commitment to collaborate on pressing global issues such as climate change, the promotion of renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and weather science, all aimed at benefiting the planet and its people.
Prime Minister Modi also extended his heartfelt thanks to President Muizzu for his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and for the solidarity extended to India in its fight against terrorism.
Key Agreements and Inaugural Projects
The leaders witnessed the exchange of six specific Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and a new concessional Line of Credit.
A significant outcome was the new Line of Credit, offering Rupees 4850 crores (approximately USD 550 million) to support infrastructure development and other vital activities in the Maldives. Additionally, an Amendatory Agreement for existing Lines of Credit was exchanged, which will reduce the Maldives’ annual debt repayment obligations by 40 percent (from USD 51 million to USD 29 million). Both sides also exchanged the Terms of Reference for the proposed Free Trade Agreement.
Beyond the agreements, the leaders virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other Maldivian cities. Prime Minister Modi also officially handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles for the Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities.
In a gesture symbolizing India’s commitment to immediate medical aid, Prime Minister Modi handed over two units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cube (BHISHM) sets to the Government of Maldives. These state-of-the-art medical cubes are equipped to provide medical aid to 200 casualties and can sustain a crew of six medical personnel for up to 72 hours.
Demonstrating their shared commitment to environmental conservation, the two leaders jointly planted mango saplings as part of India’s “Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother) campaign and Maldives’ “Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation” initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to support the Maldives and its people, aligning with their requirements and priorities, and contributing to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.
A Warm Welcome and Historic Celebrations
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome by President Muizzu at Republic Square, setting a warm tone for the meeting. The discussions were marked by cordiality and a strong reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also conveyed his best wishes on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives, as well as the special occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The leaders reflected on the centuries-old bonds of friendship and trust, which are further strengthened by robust people-to-people ties.