India and Maldives have signed a series of strategic agreements during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Male, reaffirming their commitment to deepen bilateral ties across economic, technological, and maritime domains. The two leaders—Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu—held comprehensive discussions at the President’s Office, reviewing the full spectrum of India-Maldives relations and expressing shared intent to enhance peace, progress and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
A key outcome of the visit was the formal agreement on the Terms of Reference for the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, laying the groundwork for a structured and mutually beneficial trade framework. The two nations also signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding, including in fisheries and aquaculture, digital transformation, meteorological cooperation, and pharmaceutical standards.
India extended a Line of Credit worth Rs 485 billion to Maldives, alongside an amendatory agreement to ease the island nation’s annual debt repayment obligations on existing Government of India-funded credit lines. The financial package is expected to support infrastructure development and economic resilience in Maldives.
An MoU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and the Maldives Meteorological Services will facilitate joint research and capacity building in climate science and disaster preparedness. Another MoU between the Ministry of Electronics and IT of India and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of Maldives will enable the sharing of successful digital solutions implemented at population scale, accelerating digital transformation in governance and public services.
Maldives also agreed to recognize the Indian Pharmacopoeia, streamlining pharmaceutical standards and regulatory alignment. A Network-to-Network Agreement was signed between NPCI International Payment Limited and the Maldives Monetary Authority to introduce India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Maldives, enhancing financial inclusion and cross-border payment efficiency.
Prime Minister Modi was received at the airport by President Muizzu in a special gesture, accompanied by senior Maldivian ministers. A ceremonial welcome and guard of honour were accorded at Republic Square, followed by cultural performances and bilateral meetings. Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and voiced confidence that India-Maldives friendship would reach new heights in the coming years.
The leaders also reviewed progress under the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership adopted in 2024. The visit marks Modi’s third to Maldives and the first by any head of state or government since Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
Modi will participate as Guest of Honour in Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, underscoring the symbolic and strategic importance of the bilateral relationship. The agreements signed during the visit reflect a shared commitment to regional stability, economic integration and technological cooperation, reinforcing India’s role as a trusted partner in the Indian Ocean.
