President Muizzu and Prime Minister Modi Highlight Bilateral Ties Through Tree Planting, Defence Inauguration, and Health Sector Support
India’s Prime Minister planting a tree yesterday, July 25, 2025, in Sultan Park | Photo: President’s Office
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a series of symbolic and practical engagements in Malé yesterday, highlighting the deepening partnership between the Maldives and India during Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing state visit.
The day’s events began with a symbolic tree planting ceremony at Sultan Park, where both leaders participated in a gesture of environmental solidarity. President Muizzu planted a sea putat tree (Kim’bi) under India’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, which urges individuals to plant trees in tribute for their mothers. Prime Minister Modi planted a mango tree as part of the Maldives’ Five Million Trees Planting Programme. The initiative reflected a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and friendship between the two nations.
Following the ceremony, President Muizzu and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the Dhoshimeyna Building, the new office complex of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The event included a short video presentation on the new facility, located on Boduthakurufaanu Magu, followed by a brief tour of the premises. The building forms part of the Maldivian government’s broader efforts to strengthen and modernise the country’s defence infrastructure.
In a further demonstration of India’s support for Maldives’ development, Prime Minister Modi formally donated two Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes to the Government of Maldives during a handover ceremony also held at Sultan Park. President Muizzu accepted the donation on behalf of the nation.
The Aarogya Maitri Health Cube is a portable, cube-based hospital system designed for rapid deployment in emergencies. Each unit includes an intensive care unit (ICU), operating theatre, diagnostic equipment, and power supply, capable of treating up to 200 individuals for 72 hours during crisis situations. The cubes will be operated by the Maldives Emergency Medical Service under the Ministry of Health, significantly enhancing the country’s emergency medical response capabilities.
These engagements coincided with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India. They represent key moments in a state visit focused on deepening bilateral cooperation across defence, health, environment, and infrastructure.
