Maldives-India Strengthen Ties with Virtual Inauguration, MoUs and Agreements Signed
Maldives and India conducted a virtual inauguration and exchanged agreements, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and notes verbale during the State Visit of the President.
The two sides also adopted a “A vision for economic and maritime security partnership” and announced the refit of the Huravee Coast Guard ship by Indian assistance on gratis basis.
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The highlights of the ceremony included the virtual inauguration of:
1. The launch of the Rupay Card via a video presentation
2. The inauguration of the new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport
3. The handover of 700 completed social housing units built under the Buyers Credit facility of EXIM Bank of India
Exchange of Agreements/MoUs:
1. Currency Swap Agreement between the Maldives Monetary Authority and the Reserve Bank of India – Exchanged by the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority, Ahmed Munawar and Shri Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance
2. Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation between the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement and Rashtriya Raksha University – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and Dr Ranjit Kumar, Secretary Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives and the Central Bureau of Investigation of India for cooperation on preventing and combating corruption – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and Dr Ranjit Kumar, Secretary Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs.
4. Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Judicial Services Commission of the Maldives and the National Judicial Academy of India for training and capacity building for Maldivian Judicial Officers – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and High Commissioner of India to Maldives Munu Mahawar
5. Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Maldives and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Republic of India on cooperation in sports and youth affairs – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and – Exchanged by High Commissioner Ibrahim Shaheeb and High Commissioner of India to Maldives Munu Mahawar
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly oversaw the document exchange between officials from both nations.
Muizzu and Modi Forge Stronger Ties in High-Level Talks
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu joined the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the high-level talks between the governments of the Republic of Maldives and the Republic of India during his ongoing state visit.
The high-level talks led by Muizzu and Narendra Modi, respectively, took place at Hyderabad House.
Speaking at the high-level talks, Modi expressed his gratitude to Muizzu for attending the ceremony held for his swearing-in as Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi earlier in June. Modi also emphasised India’s Neighbourhood First Policy through which India prioritises its relationship with close neighbours.
Responding to Modi’s sentiments, Muizzu stated that India has always assisted the Maldives’ in times of need, and thanked India for the continued support.
Modi reiterated the Government’s commitment towards strengthening bilateral ties and expressed gratitude for the words of appreciation on India being Maldives’ first responder. Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s decision to grant a rollover of T-bills through the State Bank of India totalling USD 100 million in May and September this year, and for providing an extension to the special quota for export of essential commodities for Maldives by one more year.
Muizzu briefed the Prime Minister on the formulation of the 20-year National Development Plan of the Maldives, requesting India’s support to achieve the target of Maldives becoming a Developed Country by 2040. The President also highlighted the importance attached by the Administration in the provision of social housing, expanding trade, and tourism cooperation.
In response, Modi assured its support for the Maldives in achieving its 2040 goal of progressing to a developed country. The Prime Minister also addressed areas such as security cooperation, technological assistance, combating threats to regional security, and climate change adaptation.
Both sides discussed initiatives in the pipeline and explored new avenues for cooperation. The two leaders also discussed agriculture and fisheries, trade and investment, human resource development, health sector, women’s empowerment, renewable energy, and maritime and security cooperation.
Muizzu Addresses Media Following Key Talks in New Delhi
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has delivered a press statement at the Hyderabad House, New Delhi, as part of his ongoing state visit to India.
In his statement, Muizzu stated that India is a key partner in the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the Maldives and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening cooperation across various areas. He expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and India for their consistent support and cooperation, especially during challenging times.
Muizzu specifically thanked India for its financial assistance, including T-Bills rollover and additional support of INR 30 billion, plus USD 400 million under a bilateral currency swap agreement.
“We look forward to concluding the Free Trade Agreement with India, which will enable us to harness the full economic potential between our countries and to increase Indian investments in both our tourism and development sectors,” he added. As one of the largest tourism source markets, he also expressed hope to welcome more Indian tourists to the Maldives.
Approaching the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, Muizzu extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to undertake a state visit to the Maldives.
In conclusion, Muizzu expressed confidence that their continued collaboration would lead to a brighter future for both nations.
