India Talks Strengthen Economic Partnership, Trade and Investment Opportunities, Says Minister Saeed 

Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has described discussions with India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal as “highly productive”, highlighting continued momentum in economic cooperation between the Maldives and India.

Speaking to WION, a New Delhi-based multinational news channel, following meetings held in New Delhi last week, Saeed said the discussions reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding economic cooperation in areas that could deliver tangible benefits.

According to Saeed, the talks focused on strengthening cooperation in the digital economy, tourism connectivity and trade facilitation, building on recent high-level engagements between the two countries.

Pleased to meet with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, @PiyushGoyal, during my official visit to India.
We held productive and constructive discussions on advancing the Maldives–India economic partnership, including the ongoing negotiations on the India–Maldives Free… pic.twitter.com/nxToHfXvOE

— Mohamed Saeed (@em_saeed) July 8, 2026

He said negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the Maldives and India have been concluded, while discussions on a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been accelerated.

Saeed said the agreements present opportunities for the Maldives to expand access for local industries, including fisheries, seafood, digital services and creative sectors, while encouraging greater investment in areas such as tourism, renewable energy, healthcare and education.

He added that stronger economic cooperation with India could support job creation, technology transfer and economic diversification.

The minister highlighted that improved trade facilitation measures under the proposed agreements could help streamline customs procedures, reduce barriers and create a more favourable environment for businesses in both countries.

Saeed also pointed to the potential of enhanced air connectivity between the Maldives and India to strengthen tourism and increase opportunities for trade and investment.

He said the discussions also aligned with the government’s objective of increasing the contribution of the digital economy to 33 percent of the Maldives’ economy through digital transformation and innovation.

Saeed said the ongoing initiatives are aimed at building a more diversified and resilient economy while further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the Maldives and India.