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.

Source: https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/31818

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 "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

Exchange of Agreements/MoUs:

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.

Source: https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/31826

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.

Source: https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/31821