Maldives and India Virtually Inaugurate Major Development Projects and Sign Key Agreements

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly officiated the virtual inauguration of several major development projects yesterday, marking a significant milestone in the Maldives–India partnership.

The ceremony, held at the President’s Office in Malé as part of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the Maldives, featured a symbolic handover of 72 vehicles from the Government of India to the Maldives Ministry of Defence. The event began with a short video presentation highlighting the significance of the vehicles, followed by a ceremonial key handover attended by both leaders.

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The two leaders also commemorated ceremonial handover of 4,000 housing units financed under India’s Buyer’s Credit facility. Of these, 700 units had already been handed over during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024. A video presentation outlining the scope and impact of the housing project preceded the virtual handover.

In a further boost to infrastructure development, the leaders inaugurated the Addu Roads Project, funded through the Indian Government’s Line of Credit. The project is expected to enhance road connectivity and safety in Addu City, contributing to long-term urban development in the region.

The event also marked the virtual inauguration of six High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), financed through Indian grant assistance. These include:

• Outdoor gyms at S. Hithadhoo Rasgedhara, S. Hithadhoo Beyrumathi, and GDh. Vaadhoo
  
• A youth centre in GA. Gemanafushi
  
• A volleyball court in Sh. Kanditheemu
  
• A small-scale fish processing plant in S. Hithadhoo
  

In addition to the inaugurations, President Muizzu and India’s Prime Minister Modi witnessed the exchange of several key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, further reinforcing cooperation across critical sectors. These included:

1. Launch of Free Trade Agreement negotiations
   
2. Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement (USD 565 million) between the Government of the Maldives and the Export-Import Bank of India
   
3. First Amendatory Dollar Credit Line Agreement
   
4. MoU on Fisheries and Aquaculture between the two countries’ respective fisheries ministries
   
5. MoU on Pharmacopoeia Cooperation between the Maldives and India’s health authorities
   
6. MoU on Meteorology and Climate Sciences, enabling collaboration between the Maldives Meteorological Services and India’s Institute of Tropical Meteorology
   
7. MoU on Digital Transformation, supporting the sharing of India’s large-scale digital solutions
   
8. Agreement on Cross-Border Remittance Services between the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL)
   

President Muizzu and India’s Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening mutual ties and delivering tangible outcomes for the people of both nations.

Modi was received in the Maldives yesterday with a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square. The ceremony featured a cultural performance by students of Aminiya School, a 21-gun salute by the Maldives National Defence Force, the playing of both national anthems, and a Guard of Honour. Dignitaries from both the host and visiting delegations were then introduced.

Prior to the ceremony commemorating his visit, President Muizzu and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi held official talks this afternoon at the President’s Office as part of his state visit to the Maldives.

President Muizzu thanked India for its continued support towards the Maldives’ development. The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in key sectors, including economic development, defence, trade, investment, and climate action.