Mumbai, India – In a historic meeting at the President's Office in Male, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening its ties with the Republic of Maldives, a key strategic partner in the Indian Ocean region.
The two leaders met on July 25, 2025, amidst celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Maldives' independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The meeting was marked by warmth and a deep sense of friendship, reflecting centuries-old bonds between India and Maldives.
India's Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation, while conveying his best wishes on this historic occasion. He reiterated India's commitment to further deepen ties with Maldives in line with its "Neighbourhood First' and Vision MAHASAGAR policies.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu appreciated India's commitment as a First Responder for Maldives in dealing with any crises, highlighting the importance of strong defense and maritime security cooperation between the two nations. They also called for strengthened development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action, and health cooperation.
The two leaders reviewed the economic partnership between the two countries, with Prime Minister Modi underlining the potential of a Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty to open new opportunities for both sides. Noting the importance of the digital economy in promoting tourism, he welcomed recent understandings on UPI adoption, acceptance of RUPAY card, and trade in local currencies.
The meeting also focused on climate change, renewable energy promotion, disaster risk reduction, and weather science in the interests of the planet and its people. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Muizzu for his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and extended solidarity to India in the fight against terrorism.
During the meeting, six Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were exchanged in various fields, including fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and concessional Line of Credit. The new Line of Credit offers Rupees 4850 crores (approximately USD 550 million) to support infrastructure development and other activities in Maldives.
Prime Minister Modi also virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu city and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other cities, handing over social housing units and vehicles to the Government of Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities. Additionally, he handed over two Aarogya Maitri Health Cube (BHISHM) sets to the Government of Maldives, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
The meeting concluded with a gesture of environmental conservation, as both leaders planted mango saplings as part of India's "Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam" and Maldives' "Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation" campaigns.
Overall, the meeting underscored India's commitment to supporting Maldives and its people, while promoting regional peace, progress, and prosperity.