Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical and strategic ties between India and the Maldives during his visit to the island nation, saying, “The roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the ocean”. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu described India as the Maldives’ most trusted development partner, signalling a positive turn in bilateral relations. PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with Muizzu to enhance cooperation in key areas such as trade, defence, and maritime security.
From ‘India Out’ To Most Trusted Friend | Muizzu Calls India ‘Closest, Most Trusted Ally’
Why In News
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical and strategic ties between India and the Maldives during his visit to the island nation, saying, “The roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the ocean”. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu described India as the Maldives’ most trusted development partner, signalling a positive turn in bilateral relations. PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with Muizzu to enhance cooperation in key areas such as trade, defence, and maritime security.
India & Maldives
- “India will continue to support the Maldives in the development of its defence capabilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,” PM Modi said, stressing that the Maldives holds an “important place” in both India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and its Mahasagar (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision.
- “India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood by as a ‘first responder’. India will continue to support the Maldives in the development of its defence capabilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,” he added.
- The meeting marked a turnaround in bilateral ties, which had witnessed tensions after Muizzu came to power in November 2023 following his “India Out” campaign. Modi, however, asserted that the India-Maldives friendship will always “remain bright and clear” regardless of circumstances.
- In Calling the discussions “productive”, the Maldivian President said that the talks were “focused on carrying forward the Maldives-India development partnership in key areas of common interest and on providing all the support in our disposal to increase the time-immemorial people-to-people connections that lay the foundation of our neighbourly ties”.
- “India has long stood as the Maldives’s closest and most trusted partner. Our collaboration spans a wide range of areas, from security and trade to healthcare, education and beyond, touching the everyday lives of our citizens,” Muizzu added.
- The President also congratulated PM Modi for completing 4,078 consecutive days in office, making him the second-longest-serving Indian Prime Minister for consecutive terms, surpassing the record previously held by former PM Indira Gandhi.
- “This remarkable milestone, 4078 consecutive days in office, is a testament to your unwavering commitment to public service and dedication to the progress and prosperity of the Indian people,” he said.
India Offers Rs 4,850 Crore Credit
- While China’s growing assertiveness was not directly mentioned, Misri said India continues to work with the Maldives on issues that may “impinge not just our security but the common security of the region.”
- PM Modi confirmed that both sides will soon finalise a bilateral investment treaty and that negotiations for a free trade agreement have already begun.
- During the visit, PM Modi and Muizzu jointly inaugurated several India-backed projects, including a new defence ministry building in Male, roads and drainage systems in Addu city, and 3,300 housing units in Hulhumale. PM Modi also handed over 72 vehicles and equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force.
- Describing the new defence ministry complex as a “concrete building of trust,” PM Modi said it stands as a symbol of the “strong partnership” between the two nations. Network-to-Network Agreement between India’s NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on UPI in Maldives was signed. Misri said, “The implementation agreement has been signed. The technical work is now required, and people should be able to use UPI as soon as the technical work and the operationalisation of the MoU are concluded.”
- “The two leaders were together for a tree plantation event which is being carried out under the initiative taken by PM Modi in India, ‘EK Ped Maa Ke Naam’. PM Modi also handed over two BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes that will be of great relevance in medical emergencies,” he said.
Memorandum Of Underatandings
- PM Modi and President Muizzu which include:
- Agreement For A Line Of Credit Of Rs 4,850 Crore To Maldives
- Amendatory Agreement On Reducing Annual Debt Repayment
- To Launch India- Maldives Free Trade Agreement – Terms Of Reference Finalised
- Mou On Cooperation In The Field Of Fisheries And Aquaculture
- Mou Between The Indian Institute Of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Ministry Of Earth Sciences And The Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS), Ministry Of Tourism And Environment
- Mou On Cooperation In The Field Of Sharing Successful Digital Solutions Implemented At Population Scale For Digital Transformation Between Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology Of India And The Ministry Of Homeland Security And Technology Of Maldives
- Mou On Recognition Of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) By Maldives
- Network-to-network Agreement Between India’s NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) And Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) On Unified Payments Interface In Maldives
