PM Modi and President Muizzu mark 60 years of ties with major announcements and regional vision
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday reaffirmed the deep-rooted bilateral partnership between India and the Maldives, signing a host of landmark agreements and launching joint development projects during PM Modi’s state visit to Male. The occasion coincided with the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence and 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In a series of high-level discussions and celebratory ceremonies, the leaders launched infrastructure projects, initiated trade negotiations, expanded defence cooperation, and signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), signalling a significant new chapter in India–Maldives ties.
Key agreements and development push
The visit saw the formal signing of multiple MoUs across vital sectors including health, digital payments, fisheries, weather science, trade, and defence. Among the headline announcements was a new ₹4,850 crore (approx. $565 million) Line of Credit extended by India for Maldivian infrastructure projects aligned with national priorities. The two countries also signed an amendatory agreement to ease Maldives’ annual debt repayment obligations on earlier Indian loans.
Further cementing economic engagement, both sides finalised the Terms of Reference for a Free Trade Agreement and agreed to work towards a Bilateral Investment Treaty. A landmark local currency settlement system was also introduced, enabling direct trade in Indian Rupees and Maldivian Rufiyaa, which PM Modi said would reduce dependency on foreign exchange and ease transactions for businesses and tourists alike.
The two governments also announced a network-to-network pact between India’s NPCI International and the Maldives Monetary Authority, paving the way for the rollout of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives. Modi highlighted this as a tool that will boost both the tourism and retail sectors.
Infrastructure and housing: from vision to delivery
On the ground, the leaders jointly inaugurated several projects including 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale constructed under India’s Buyers’ Credit facility, the Addu City roads and drainage system, and six High-Impact Community Development Projects across the country.
PM Modi called the housing initiative “a new beginning for many families in the Maldives,” describing it as a tangible outcome of India’s Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR (Indo-Pacific) vision.
Also unveiled were 72 vehicles and critical equipment, two BHISHM Health Cubes, and a Ministry of Defence building in Male, built with Indian assistance—underlining India’s commitment to supporting both civil and strategic infrastructure in the island nation.
Security cooperation and regional maritime vision
Modi underscored that India’s defence collaboration with the Maldives is anchored in trust and mutual interest. “The Ministry of Defence building inaugurated today is a concrete symbol of that trust,” he said.
India reiterated its commitment to supporting Maldives’ defence capabilities, and both countries agreed to work more closely through the Colombo Security Conclave, a regional grouping focused on maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
“We share the same ocean, and our goal is peace, stability, and prosperity in this region,” the Prime Minister said.
The leaders also released commemorative stamps marking 60 years of diplomatic ties, featuring traditional boats symbolising the countries’ shared maritime heritage. “We are not just neighbours—we are fellow voyagers on a shared journey,” PM Modi said.
Addressing the press alongside President Muizzu, PM Modi expressed gratitude for being invited as Guest of Honour for the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations. “The roots of our relationship are older than history itself and as deep as the ocean,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, PM Modi said a new ferry system—soon to be launched with Indian assistance—will dramatically improve inter-island connectivity. “After that, distances between islands will not be measured by GPS, but by ferry time,” he quipped.
Energy, climate and digital future
On environmental cooperation, the leaders pledged to intensify collaboration on climate change and renewable energy, with India offering to share its experience in solar and sustainable technologies. An MoU on cooperation in weather science between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Maldives Meteorological Services was also signed.
Digital transformation also featured prominently, with both countries agreeing to share India’s population-scale digital solutions for governance and public service delivery.
“India has always stood by the Maldives as the ‘First Responder’—whether during natural disasters, pandemics, or economic shocks,” PM Modi said. Recalling the vision set out during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024, he added: “Today, that vision is becoming a reality.”
In conclusion, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Maldives’ progress: “India will stand with Maldives at every step on its path to development and prosperity.”
