India and Maldives conducted a virtual inauguration and exchanged agreements, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and Note Verbale during the State Visit of the President.

The two sides also adopted "A vision for comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership" and announced the refit of the Huravee Coast Guard ship by Indian assistance on gratis basis.

The highlights of the ceremony included virtual inauguration of:

1. The launch of the Rupay Card via a video presentation

2. The inauguration of the new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport

3. The handover of 700 completed social housing units built under the Buyers Credit facility of EXIM Bank of India

1.​ Currency Swap Agreement between the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Reserve Bank of India – Exchanged by the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority, Ahmed Munawar and Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance

2.​ Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement and Rashtriya Raksha University – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and Dr Ranjit Kumar, Secretary Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.

3.​ Memorandum of Understanding between the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives and the Central Bureau of Investigation of India for cooperation on preventing and combating corruption – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and Dr Ranjit Kumar, Secretary Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.

4.​ Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Judicial Services Commission of the Maldives and the National Judicial Academy of India for training and capacity building for Maldivian Judicial Officers – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and High Commissioner of India to Maldives Munu Mahawar

5.​ Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Maldives and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Republic of India on cooperation in sports and youth affairs – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and High Commissioner of India to Maldives Munu Mahawar

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi jointly oversaw the document exchange between officials from both nations.

India and Maldives conduct virtual inauguration and exchange of agreements, MoUs, and Note Verbales

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and President of Maldives H. E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met on 7 October 2024 and comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties while noting the progress made by both countries in deepening their historically close and special relationship that has immensely contributed to the betterment of the peoples of the two countries.

2. Prime Minister of India underscored the importance attached by India to its relationship with Maldives under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and Vision SAGAR, and reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to assist Maldives on its developmental journey and priorities. President of Maldives thanked India for its timely emergency financial assistance, including by way of rolling over T-bills subscribed by SBI amounting to USD 100 million in May and September 2024 for a further period of one year that provided the much needed financial cushion for Maldives in addressing its urgent financing needs. He acknowledged India’s continued role as the ‘First Responder’ of Maldives in times of need, following India’s earlier assistance in the last decade during the 2014 water crisis in Malé and the Covid-19 pandemic.

3. President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his appreciation for the decision of the Government of India to extend support in the form of USD 400 million and INR 30 billion as a bilateral currency swap agreement, instrumental in tackling the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Maldives. The leaders also agreed to implement further measures to support Maldives in addressing its financial challenges.

4. The leaders acknowledged that it was an opportune time for both sides to chart a new framework for cooperation with an aim to comprehensively transform the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which is people-centric, future-oriented and will act as an anchor of stability in the Indian Ocean Region. In this context, both the leaders have decided as follows:

In order to intensify exchanges at leadership and ministerial levels, the two sides will expand them to include exchanges of Parliamentarians and local government representatives. In addition, recognizing the contribution of shared democratic values in the growth of bilateral ties, they decided to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to enable institutionalized cooperation between the two Parliaments.

Taking into account the progress of ongoing developmental partnership projects, which have already brought tangible benefits to the people of Maldives, the two sides decided:

i. To work together in advancing the developmental partnership, as per needs and requirements of Maldives, across areas, including ports, airports, housing, hospitals, roads networks, sports facilities, schools and water and sewerage;

ii. To provide assistance to the Maldives in addressing the housing challenges and to accelerate the ongoing social housing projects supported by India’s assistance;

iii. To extend full support for the timely completion of the flagship Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), and to undertake a feasibility study to connect the islands of Thilafushi and Giraavaru as an extension;

iv. To collaborate in the development of a state-of-the-art commercial port at Thilafushi island in order to de-congest the Malé port and provide enhanced cargo handling capacity at Thilafushi;

v. To also explore collaboration for development of transshipment facilities and bunkering services contributing towards Maldives Economic Gateway project at Ihavandhippolhu and Gaadhoo islands of Maldives;

vi. To jointly work in harnessing the full potential of Hanimaadhoo and Gan airports that are being developed with Indian assistance as well as other airports of Maldives. Towards this end, both sides will also consider measures to strengthen air connectivity, attract investments and collaborate for efficient management of these airports;

vii. To jointly work in establishing "Agriculture Economic Zone” and tourism investments in Haa Dhaalu atoll and fish processing and canning facility at Haa Alifu atoll with Indian assistance;

viii. To further expand through additional financing the successful High Impact Community Development Projects to take the India-Maldives people-centric development partnership to every part of Maldives.

In view of significant untapped potential for bilateral trade & investment, the two sides agreed:

i. To initiate discussions on a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement focusing on trade in goods and services between the two countries;

ii. To operationalize the settlement of trade transactions between India and Maldives in local currencies with an aim to deepen trade linkages and to reduce dependency on foreign currencies;

iii. To promote bilateral investments and closer engagements between the two business chambers and entities; steps shall be taken for disseminating information relating to investment opportunities and to improve ease of doing business;

iv. To support the efforts of Maldives towards diversification of its economy by strengthening cooperation in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, oceanography and blue economy, including through establishment of academic linkages and expanding research & development cooperation;

v. To enhance efforts to boost tourism between the two countries through marketing campaigns and collaborative efforts.

Given that developments in digital and financial domains have transformational impact on governance and delivery of services the two sides agreed:

i. to share expertise on implementation of digital and financial services;

ii. To cooperate in the domain of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by launch of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Unique Digital Identity, Gati Shakti Scheme and other digital services that will enhance e-governance and delivery of services through digital domain for the benefit of people of Maldives;

iii. While welcoming the launch of RuPay card in Maldives, which will enhance ease of payments for Indian tourists visiting Maldives, to work closely to extend similar services for Maldivian nationals visiting India.

Given the role of energy security in ensuring sustainable development, the two sides agreed to explore cooperation through implementation of solar power and other renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to bring down energy costs and enable Maldives to achieve its NDC Goals, both sides will establish a framework for an institutional partnership which will include training, exchange of visits, joint research, technical projects and promotion of investments.

Towards this end, both sides will also undertake a feasibility study to identify measures that would enable Maldives to participate in the One Sun One World One Grid initiative.

i. To further deepen ongoing health cooperation through provisioning of safe, quality and affordable healthcare to the people of Maldives in India and promoting linkages between hospitals in India and facilities and improving access to essential health services in Maldives for strengthening health-care infrastructure in Maldives;

ii. To work towards recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia by the Government of Maldives, followed by establishment of India-Maldives Jan Aushadhi Kendras across Maldives to contribute to health security efforts of Maldives through provisioning of affordable and quality generic medicines from India;

iii. To work together to improve mental health services and support systems to central and regional mental health services of Maldives;

iv. To collaborate through training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance skills and knowledge;

v. To work together on health research initiatives to address common health challenges including cancer, infertility, etc;

vi. To work together in sharing of expertise on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation measures as well as assist in setting-up of rehabilitation centres in Maldives;

vii. To work together in enhancing capacity of the Maldives to undertake emergency medical evacuations.

India and Maldives share common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region which have multi-dimensional implications for the security and development of both the countries. As natural partners, they resolve to work together in advancing the maritime and security cooperation for the benefit of peoples of both India and Maldives as well as for the larger Indian Ocean Region.

Maldives, with its vast Exclusive Economic Zone, is exposed to traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges including piracy, IUU fishing, drug smuggling, and terrorism. The two countries agreed that India, as a trusted and dependable partner, will work closely with Maldives in sharing of expertise, augmenting capabilities and undertake joint cooperative measures, as per needs and requirements of Maldives; they also agreed that the ongoing Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) 'Ekatha' harbour project at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) with India's assistance will significantly contribute towards enhancing MNDF's operational capabilities, and agreed to extend full support for its timely completion.

i. To support Maldives with provisioning of defence platforms and assets to augment capabilities of MNDF as well as that of the Government of Maldives in advancing its maritime and security requirements in line with its national priorities;

ii. To support Maldives in enhancing surveillance and monitoring capability of MNDF with the provisioning of radar systems and other equipment

iii. To support Maldives on Hydrographic matters, including, through capacity building and training, as per the requirements of the Government of Maldives;

iv. To strengthen cooperation in the area of disaster response and risk mitigation, including through development of SOPs and exercises to achieve enhanced interoperability;

v. To assist Maldives in the domain of Information Sharing by supporting the development of capabilities through infrastructure, training and sharing of best practices.

vi. To inaugurate at an early date the state-of-the-art Maldivian Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in Malé, constructed with India's assistance, that will augment modern infrastructural capacity of the MoD;

India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership

The Vice President of India, His Excellency Jagdeep Dhankar paid a courtesy call on President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the President’s ongoing state visit to India.

Highlighting that next year marks 60 years of formal diplomatic ties between the Maldives and India, the President pointed that Maldivians and Indians have centuries-long history of trade and friendship. The President thanked India’s prompt support to the Maldives in challenging times which he said signals the trust and understanding between the Maldives and India.

The Vice President spoke about the fundamental role of people-to-people contact for fostering closer relations between any two countries, noting the historical links that remain strong to this day bringing together Maldivians and Indians in a wide range of mutually beneficial areas.

Both sides then focused on cooperating across all levels of both governments to keep the momentum going in light of the positive engagements during the state visit.

Vice President of India pays a courtesy call on the President of Maldives

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed were accorded a ceremonial welcome this morning at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi, India.

The President and First Lady were officially received by Indian President Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi.

Upon arrival, a 21-gun salute was conferred on President Dr Muizzu. The President also inspected the Guard of Honour at the ceremony.

After the welcoming ceremony, the President and First Lady visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

President and First Lady receive ceremonial welcome in India

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has delivered a press statement at the Hyderabad House, New Delhi, as part of his ongoing state visit to India.

In his statement, President Dr Muizzu stated that India is a key partner in the socioeconomic and infrastructure development of the Maldives and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation across various areas. He expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and India for their consistent support and cooperation, especially during challenging times.

President Dr Muizzu specifically thanked India for its financial assistance, including T-Bills rollover and additional support of INR 30 billion, plus $400 million under a bilateral currency swap agreement.

"We look forward to concluding the Free Trade Agreement with India, which will enable us to harness the full economic potential between our countries and to increase Indian investments in both our tourism and development sectors," he added.

As one of the largest tourism source markets, he also expressed hope to welcome more Indian tourists to the Maldives.

The two leaders agreed on a comprehensive vision document titled "A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership," which will guide the bilateral relationship between the two countries across various sectors, including development, economy and trade, digital transformation, energy, health, and maritime cooperation and security.

Approaching the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, President Dr Muizzu extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to undertake a state visit to the Maldives.

In conclusion, President Dr Muizzu expressed confidence that their continued collaboration would lead to a brighter future for both nations.

The President is currently on a five-day state visit to India upon an official invitation extended by the President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu. First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation are accompanying him on this trip.

President delivers a Press Statement following official talks in New Delhi

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered a keynote address at the India-Maldives Business Forum in New Delhi today during his ongoing state visit to India.

His address highlighted the partnership between the two nations and outlined opportunities for future collaboration. President Dr Muizzu recognized India’s support to the Maldives' economic growth and stressed the importance of private sector investments. He unveiled his Administration's agenda for economic transformation, focusing on diversifying beyond tourism into industries such financial services, maritime industries, and the digital economy. The development of Ras Malé, an eco-city project aimed at transforming the Maldivian metropolis, is one such key initiative.

The President highlighted recent economic reforms, including a new Foreign Investment Law and plans to launch the Maldives International Financial Centre in 2025. He also announced the imminent operation of the first Development Bank of Maldives.

President Dr Muizzu emphasised the importance of digital growth, aiming to increase the digital economy's share of GDP to 15% by 2030. Moreover, he announced the launch of RuPay card services in the Maldives, which will make financial transactions between India and the Maldives easier and more efficient.

He also touched upon the Maldives' commitment to sustainable development, pledging to meet 33% of the country's energy requirements through renewable sources by 2028.

President Dr Muizzu is on a five-day state visit to India, accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation.

President Dr Muizzu addresses India-Maldives Business Forum in New Delhi

The Maldives and India have agreed to work positively towards establishing a Maldivian consulate in the Indian city of Bangalore and an Indian consulate in Addu City, Maldives, in order to expand trade and economic cooperation as well as enhance people-to-people contacts.

The President is on his first state visit to India, for which he arrived in New Delhi on October 6th. A delegation of senior officials of the Government of Maldives accompanies the President.

Maldives and India to work towards establishing Consulates

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Murmu warmly received President Dr Muizzu and members of his delegation at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

During the meeting, President Murmu described the Maldives as a key partner of India. She emphasised that the Maldives is an important member in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.

Speaking further, President Murmu highlighted that the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) is the largest infrastructure project to date undertaken in the Maldives by India and noted that the development support to the Maldives is designed to benefit the people of the Maldives. She expressed confidence that the newly agreed-upon Comprehensive Security and Maritime Partnership will bring about a renewed framework to forge closer bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed India's commitment to continue supporting the Maldives in its development endeavours.

President Dr Muizzu expressed his gratitude to President Murmu for inviting him to undertake the state visit to India. He conveyed assurances of reciprocal commitment to work together with the Government of India to further consolidate the long-standing relations between the two nations. He also highlighted India's role as a crucial development partner in various areas of significant importance to the Maldives, specifically mentioning education, infrastructure development, tourism, and healthcare.

The two Heads agreed to continue the conversation held during the state visit around these areas and find ways to further elevate existing levels of cooperation in the future.

Following this, President Dr Muizzu signed the visitors' book at the official residence of the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Dr Muizzu is currently on a state visit to India at the invitation of President Murmu.

President Dr Muizzu meets with Indian President Murmu

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally to the Maldives.

He made the statement in his address at the official banquet hosted by Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India. The banquet was held on Monday evening as part of President Dr Muizzu’s state visit to India.

In his address, the President reflected on the shared values, history, and cultural exchanges that had shaped the enduring partnership between Maldives and India over the years. President Dr Muizzu added, the diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, on its sixth decade, is poised to flourish to even greater heights.

President Dr Muizzu reiterated his electoral pledge of mutual respect between neighbouring nations. President Dr Muizzu also expressed confidence on strengthened relations with India, built on mutually beneficial solutions that serve the interests of the two nations.

Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi, First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed, officials from the Indian government and the visiting Maldivian delegation attended the official banquet.

India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally: President Dr Muizzu

The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the National President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), His Excellency JP Nadda paid a courtesy call on President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu in New Delhi this afternoon.

Speaking at the meeting, the President highlighted the constructive discussions being held during the visit, and the Minister expressed his happiness seeing the growing Maldives-India relations. The two sides discussed training specialised doctors and nurses and infrastructure development in the healthcare sector as well as adopting digitalisation for the provision of health care services of better quality and efficiency.

In his capacity as the National President of BJP, the Minister invited the Maldivian ruling party to undertake high-level technical and knowledge exchanges.

The President is currently on a state visit to India.

Minister of Health of India pays courtesy call on the President

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu joined the Indian Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi for the high-level talks between the governments of the Republic of Maldives and the Republic of India during his ongoing state visit.

The high-level talks led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respectively, took place at Hyderabad House.

Speaking at the high-level talks, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Dr Muizzu for attending the ceremony held for his swearing-in as Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi earlier in June. The Prime Minister also emphasised India’s Neighbourhood First Policy through which India prioritises its relationship with close neighbours.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s sentiments, President Dr Muizzu stated that India has always assisted the Maldives’ in times of need, and thanked India for the continued support.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated the Government’s commitment towards strengthening bilateral ties and expressed gratitude for the words of appreciation on India being Maldives’ first responder. President Dr Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s decision to grant a rollover of T-bills through the State Bank of India totalling USD 100 million in May and September this year, and for providing an extension to the special quota for export of essential commodities for Maldives by one more year.

President Dr Muizzu briefed the Prime Minister on the formulation of the 20-year National Development Plan of the Maldives, requesting India’s support to achieve the target of Maldives becoming a Developed Country by 2040. The President also highlighted the importance attached by the Administration in the provision of social housing, expanding trade, and tourism cooperation.

In response, Prime Minister Modi assured its support for the Maldives in achieving its 2040 goal of progressing to a developed country. The Prime Minister also addressed areas such as security cooperation, technological assistance, combating threats to regional security, and climate change adaptation.

Both sides discussed initiatives in the pipeline and explored new avenues for cooperation. The two leaders also discussed agriculture and fisheries, trade and investment, human resource development, health sector, women's empowerment, renewable energy, and maritime and security cooperation.

President Dr Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold high-level talks

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in New Delhi this afternoon for a state visit. The President is undertaking the visit following an official invitation extended by the President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu.

Accompanying the President are First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation from the Maldivian Government.

During his visit, President Dr Muizzu will meet with President Murmu, His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior Indian government officials. These discussions will centre on strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing the relationship between the two nations.

The President is also scheduled to visit Mumbai and Bangalore later this week.

Articles

India and Maldives conduct virtual inauguration and exchange of agreements, MoUs, and Note Verbales

India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership

Vice President of India pays a courtesy call on the President of Maldives

President and First Lady receive ceremonial welcome in India

India and Maldives conduct virtual inauguration and exchange of agreements, MoUs, and Note Verbales

India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership

Vice President of India pays a courtesy call on the President of Maldives

President and First Lady receive ceremonial welcome in India

President delivers a Press Statement following official talks in New Delhi

President Dr Muizzu addresses India-Maldives Business Forum in New Delhi

Maldives and India to work towards establishing Consulates

President Dr Muizzu meets with Indian President Murmu

India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally: President Dr Muizzu

Minister of Health of India pays courtesy call on the President

President Dr Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold high-level talks

President and First Lady arrive in New Delhi, India on state visit