What Agreements Did India and Maldives Reach During PM Modi's Visit?

Male, July 25 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday at the President’s Office in Male. The two leaders assessed the full range of India-Maldives relations and reiterated their intent to further enhance bilateral connections.

They deliberated on collaboration in various sectors, including development partnerships, capacity building, health, infrastructure, digital economy, aquaculture, climate change, and renewable energy. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared on X that the leaders emphasized the need for closer cooperation to bolster peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.

The leaders reviewed the advancements made in executing the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’ that was adopted in 2024.

This marks Prime Minister Modi's third visit to Maldives—his previous visits occurred in 2018 and 2019—and it is the first by any head of state or government since President Muizzu took office in November 2023.

Both nations later announced their agreement on the Terms of Reference for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoU), including those related to fisheries and aquaculture.

Additionally, an agreement was reached for a Line of Credit (LoC) amounting to INR 4,850 crores for Maldives, along with an amendatory agreement aimed at reducing annual debt repayment obligations for the Maldives on government-funded LoCs from India.

An MoU was also established between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry of Earth Sciences, and Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

Furthermore, the nations signed an MoU to facilitate the sharing of successful digital solutions for Digital Transformation between India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT and Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of Maldives.

They also formalized an MoU recognizing the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) in Maldives. A Network-to-Network Agreement was also signed between India’s NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) regarding UPI in Maldives.

Earlier that day, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honor at Republic Square in Male, marking the start of his official engagements during a two-day state visit. President Muizzu was present for this occasion.

Children performed a dance to honor PM Modi at the venue, followed by a meeting between the two leaders.

In a notable gesture, President Muizzu personally welcomed PM Modi at the airport in Male upon his arrival from the United Kingdom. The Maldives Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and Minister of Homeland Security were also present to greet PM Modi.

PM Modi expressed that he felt “deeply touched” by Muizzu's kind gesture of receiving him at the airport and expressed optimism that the ties between the two nations would reach new heights in the future.

“Landed in Male. Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come,” PM Modi shared on X.

PM Modi is set to be a guest of honor at the country's 60th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday. This visit is his third to Maldives and notably the first by any head of state or government since President Muizzu assumed office.