Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu calls ‘India closest and most reliable partner’ after PM Modi’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy

PM Modi promised that India would continue to support the Maldives and its people, based on what is needed and important for both nations, as well as for a peaceful and successful region around the Indian Ocean.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has now called India the Maldives’ closest and most trusted friend, a big change from his earlier “India Out” campaign. He made these remarks during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Presidential Office in Malé, as part of Modi’s two-day state visit to the Maldives.

President Muizzu thanked India for always helping the Maldives first whenever there’s an emergency. “India has always been our closest and most reliable partner,” he said. “We work together in many important areas like safety, trade, health, and education all of which have a direct impact on the daily lives of our people.”

He also pointed out how many Maldivians visit India every day for medical treatment, studying, and business. At the same time, he welcomed Indian people living in the Maldives, saying they play an important role in the country’s economy and community.

Talking about his government’s plans, Muizzu said, “Our goal is to build a strong and fair economy that gives our young people opportunities, prepares them for a digital future, and helps keep peace in the region. India’s support is very important in helping us reach these goals.”

In addition to praising India for its quick response during the Maldives’ crises, President Muizzu also spoke with Prime Minister Modi about many areas where the two countries work together. These include development, infrastructure support, building skills, tackling climate change, and improving healthcare.

Special place for Maldives in ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy: PM Modi

PM Modi promised that India would continue to support the Maldives and its people, based on what is needed and important for both nations, as well as for a peaceful and successful region around the Indian Ocean.

The two leaders reviewed the progress of their joint plans for better economic and maritime security under the India-Maldives Joint Vision. Modi confirmed that India would work even harder to strengthen their relationship, following its ‘Neighbourhood First’ approach and the Vision MAHASAGAR policy.

They also agreed to boost their defense and maritime security ties and stressed the importance of their cooperation through the Colombo Security Conclave.

Agreements between India and Maldives signed during PM Modi’s visit to Maldives

India and the Maldives signed six MOUs in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and concessional Line of Credit.

• Fisheries and Aquaculture – For better cooperation in marine resources.
• Meteorology – To share weather data and improve forecasting.
• Digital Public Infrastructure – To boost digital systems and e-governance.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) – To bring India’s digital payment system to the Maldives.
• Indian Pharmacopoeia – To align medicine standards and quality.
• Concessional Line of Credit – A financial agreement to support development projects.

Financial support includes:

• A new Line of Credit worth Rs.4,850 crores (about $550 million) was offered by India to help fund infrastructure and other development activities in the Maldives.
• An Amendatory Agreement was also signed, reducing the Maldives’s annual debt repayment burden by 40 per cent, bringing it down from USD 51 million to USD 29 million.

Other key announcements and inaugurations:

• A roads and drainage system project in Addu City (virtually inaugurated).
• Six High-Impact Community Development Projects across different cities.
• 3,300 social housing units handed over to benefit local families.
• 72 vehicles donated for use by the Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration services.
• Two Aarogya Maitri Health Cube (BHISHM) units gifted, which can treat 200 patients and support a team of six medical workers for up to 72 hours in emergencies.