PM Modi: Maldives is not only a neighbor but also a fellow traveller. Our relations are reaching new heights
New Delhi: Following the announcement of a Rs 4,850-crore line of credit to the island country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that India is happy to be the Maldives‘ most trusted friend.
During the PM’s two-day state visit to the Maldives, India announced the start of negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Maldives, one day after concluding the FTA with the United Kingdom.
No matter the weather, “Mausam chahe jaisa bhi ho,” we shall always have a clear and brilliant friendship. Speaking at a joint news conference with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Modi said, “India will continue to support the development of Maldives’ defense capabilities.”
This signaled a dramatic change in the relationship, which had been tense at the start of the previous year.
Our common objectives are peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean area. After the two leaders conducted extensive discussions centered on strengthening collaboration in the domains of infrastructure, commerce, and defense, Modi said, “Together, through the Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security.”
Modi also said that the two nations would attempt to finalize a bilateral investment pact in addition to FTA discussions. Both parties anticipate that this FTA will be finished “fairly quickly,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri later said at a media conference.
According to Modi, the Maldives is a key component of India’s “Neighborhood First” strategy, and their shared trust is shown by their defense and security cooperation. He said, “India will always help the Maldives improve its defense capabilities.”
“I am also pleased to announce the initiation of negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the Maldives,” said President Muizzu, who had visited India in October of last year, indicating a thaw in bilateral relations. This historic endeavor represents a major breakthrough in fortifying our economic alliance.
He said that India is a “key source market” for Maldivian tourism and that the two nations have spoken about launching direct flights to help achieve this goal. He said, “We talked about ways to grow this important industry (tourism) through improved collaboration and connectivity, including the start of direct flights to further strengthen this connectivity.”
Regarding environmental cooperation, Muizzu said, “We looked at opportunities for technical assistance and capacity building in water and sanitation, waste management, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy.”
In front of Modi and Muizzu, the two nations signed three agreements and four memorandums of understanding. Under the Buyers’ Credit facility, India provided 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale. Modi launched six significant community development initiatives in addition to a road and drainage system project in Addu.
Additionally, the Maldivian Ministry of Defense will get 72 heavy vehicles from India. According to Ministry of External Affairs officials, there was also an MOU on sharing successful digital solutions adopted at the population level and on collaboration in fisheries and aquaculture.
When Modi arrived in Male earlier Friday morning, he was greeted warmly by Muizzu and other government officials. Later, at the famous Republic Square, he received a guard of honor and a colorful ceremonial greeting.
I was very moved by President Muizzu’s invitation to see me at the airport. In a social media post, Modi expressed his confidence that the partnership between India and the Maldives will advance to new heights in the future.
Prior to attending delegation-level discussions, the two leaders met one-on-one. Given that Muizzu, who is believed to be friendly to China, took office in the island country in November 2023 on the strength of an “India Out” campaign, the improvement in bilateral relations gains importance.
Relationships suffered greatly as a consequence of his actions during the first few months of his reign. He has called on Indian armed men to leave his country within hours of taking his oath. One may argue that New Delhi’s persistent efforts, including helping the island country with its economic problems, contributed to the improvement of ties.
India takes pride in being the Maldives’ most reliable ally. India has always supported them as a “first responder,” whether it is during an outbreak or a tragedy. India has always cooperated, whether it is in delivering basic goods or managing the economy under COVID,” Modi said.
As the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day festivities’ guest of honor, Modi will take part on Saturday. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the official diplomatic ties’ inception, the two presidents also issued a commemorative stamp on Friday.