Prime Minister Narendra Modi During his two -day visit to the Maldives, the historical and strategic depth of the bilateral relationship again confirmed. “The roots of our relationships are older than history, and as deep as the ocean,” Modi said during his two -day visit to the man.
PM Modi held broad conversations with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to strengthen cooperation in important sectors, including Trade, Defense and Maritime Safety. “For us it is always first friendship,” the prime minister explained and called India the “most familiar” friend of the archipelago of the Indian Ocean.
The meeting marked a turning point in bilateral tires, which had witnessed tensions after Muizzu came to power in November 2023 after his “India Out” campaign. Modi, however, claimed that the friendship of India-Maldives will always “remain clear and clear” regardless of the circumstances.
India announced an RS4,850 Crore (USD 565 million) credit line on the Maldives on Friday. “This amount will be used for projects with regard to the development of infrastructure in the Maldives, in accordance with the priorities of the people of the country,” the PM announced.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Miskri said that during the visit, the Pact signed would reduce the annual debt repayment of the Maldives to India by 40 percent. Although China’s growing assertiveness was not immediately mentioned, Miskri said that India will continue to work with the Maldives on issues that “not only influence our safety, but also the common safety of the region”.
PM Modi confirmed that both parties will soon complete a bilateral investment treaty and that the negotiations on a free trade agreement have already started.
During the visit, PM Modi and Muizzu jointly inaugurated various projects supported by India, including a new building from the Ministry of Defense in Male, Roads and Drainage Systems in Addu City, and 3,300 residential units in Hulhumale. PM Modi also handed 72 vehicles and equipment to the National Defense Maldives.
Describing the new complex of the Ministry of Defense as a ‘concrete construction of trust’, PM Modi said it is a symbol of the ‘strong partnership’ between the two nations. “India will continue to support Maldives in the development of its defense possibilities. Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region is our common goal,” he added.
PM Modi confirms that the role of the Maldives in the strategic outreach of India: “The Maldives have an important place in both the first policy of India and the Mahasagar (mutual and holistic progress for safety and growth over regions).”
PM Modi has also brought India’s fast and consistent support to the attention for the Maldives in times of crisis. “India is also proud to be the most familiar friend of the Maldives. Whether it is a disaster or a pandemic, India has always kept track of as a ‘first response’,” he said.
He welcomed the progress under the economic and maritime security vision during the visit of Muizzu to New Delhi in October last year. “Now it will be a reality. And as a result, our relationships touch new heights,” said PM.
The Premier also noticed the growing success of the UPI system (Unified Payments Interface) of India on the Maldives. “The speed with which UPI is promoted in the Maldives will give both tourism and stores a boost,” he said.
PM Modi arrived in the man from London in the second and final stage of his tour of two countries. He received a warm welcome to Velena International Airport, with President Mizzu and Top Maldivian ministers who received him personally. Later he received a ceremonially welcome and an honorary guard at the Republic Square.
– ends
#Friendship #Resets #IndiaMaldives #Tires #defense #Tradespush