Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing state visit to the Maldives has been described as “timely and productive” by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who highlighted the depth of engagement and the broad spectrum of outcomes that further cement India-Maldives relations.
In a detailed press briefing on Friday, Misri said the visit—PM Modi’s third to the Maldives and the first by any head of government during President Mohamed Muizzu’s tenure—offered a unique opportunity to renew and expand bilateral cooperation. He was accompanied by High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian and Additional Secretary Puneet Agrawal.
PM Modi was received with a ceremonial guard of honour and a traditional cultural welcome, setting the tone for high-level discussions. Both leaders held restricted and delegation-level talks, reviewing progress made under the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, first adopted during Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.
Among the key outcomes was the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including:
- A fresh ₹4,850 crore Line of Credit—the first-ever in Indian rupees—to support infrastructure projects in the Maldives.
- An amendatory agreement reducing Maldives’ annual debt repayments by 40%, from USD 51 million to USD 29 million.
- MoUs in fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia recognition, and UPI integration through NPCI and the Maldives Monetary Authority.
The visit also marked the launch of negotiations for an India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, and the release of commemorative stamps celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Modi handed over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale, inaugurated a roads and drainage project in Addu City, and announced six community development projects. He also inaugurated a Ministry of Defence building in Malé and gifted 72 vehicles to the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF).
In a symbolic gesture of environmental cooperation, PM Modi and President Muizzu planted saplings under India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign. Two BHISHM Health Cubes—portable emergency medical units—were also handed over to strengthen Maldives’ disaster preparedness.
PM Modi is set to participate as Guest of Honour at the Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations on Saturday. He will also meet local political leaders and engage with the Indian diaspora and ITEC alumni.
Concluding the briefing, Misri noted that the visit has not only reinforced longstanding ties but also provided a platform to implement the Joint Vision roadmap and identify new areas of cooperation. “This visit reflects the shared commitment to peace, development, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region,” he said.