Maldives News Bulletin - Volume 152

President Dr Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold high-level talks

 President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu joined the Indian Prime Minister His Excellency 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 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respectively, took place at Hyderabad House.

Speaking at the high-level talks, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Dr 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. The Prime Minister also emphasised India’s Neighbourhood First Policy through which India prioritises its relationship with close neighbours.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s sentiments, President Dr Muizzu stated that India has always assisted the Maldives in times of need, and thanked India for the continued support.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated the Government’s commitment towards strengthening bilateral ties and expressed gratitude for the words of appreciation on India being Maldives’ first responder. President Dr 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.

President Dr 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, Prime Minister 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.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Foreign Minister describes President’s visit to India as a success

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing state visit to India is a success, noting that it will benefit the Maldives’ socio-economic development.

In an interview with PSM News, Minister Dr Khaleel highlighted President Dr Muizzu’s efforts in the international platform, with a priority of strengthening bilateral relations with various countries. He further stated that the trip will result in multiple benefits for the Maldives.

Furthermore, Minister Dr Khaleel stated that the currency swap agreement signed between the Maldives and India, will facilitate trade activities to take place more conveniently. President Dr Muizzu also revealed that the agreement aims to address the foreign exchange challenges faced by the Maldives.

 SOURCE : PSM

President delivers a Press Statement following official talks in New Delhi

President His Excellency 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, President Dr Muizzu stated that India is a key partner in the socioeconomic 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.

President Dr Muizzu specifically thanked India for its financial assistance, including T-Bills rollover and additional support of INR 30 billion, plus $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.

The two leaders agreed on a comprehensive vision document titled “A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” which will guide the bilateral relationship between the two countries across various sectors, including development, economy and trade, digital transformation, energy, health, and maritime cooperation and security.

Approaching the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries next year, President Dr Muizzu extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to undertake a state visit to the Maldives.

In conclusion, President Dr Muizzu expressed confidence that their continued collaboration would lead to a brighter future for both nations.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Minister of Health of India pays courtesy call on the President

The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the National President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), His Excellency JP Nadda paid a courtesy call on President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu in New Delhi this afternoon.

Speaking at the meeting, the President highlighted the constructive discussions being held during the visit, and the Minister expressed his happiness seeing the growing Maldives-India relations. The two sides discussed training specialised doctors and nurses and infrastructure development in the healthcare sector as well as adopting digitalisation for the provision of health care services of better quality and efficiency.

In his capacity as the National President of BJP, the Minister invited the Maldivian ruling party to undertake high-level technical and knowledge exchanges.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

Vice President of India pays a courtesy call on the President of Maldives

The Vice President of India, His Excellency Jagdeep Dhankar paid a courtesy call on President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the President’s ongoing state visit to India.

Highlighting that next year marks 60 years of formal diplomatic ties between the Maldives and India, the President pointed that Maldivians and Indians have centuries-long history of trade and friendship. The President thanked India’s prompt support to the Maldives in challenging times which he said signals the trust and understanding between the Maldives and India.

The Vice President spoke about the fundamental role of people-to-people contact for fostering closer relations between any two countries, noting the historical links that remain strong to this day bringing together Maldivians and Indians in a wide range of mutually beneficial areas.

Both sides then focused on cooperating across all levels of both governments to keep the momentum going in light of the positive engagements during the state visit.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and President of Maldives H. E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met on 7 October 2024 and comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties while noting the progress made by both countries in deepening their historically close and special relationship that has immensely contributed to the betterment of the peoples of the two countries.

Prime Minister of India underscored the importance attached by India to its relationship with Maldives under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and Vision SAGAR, and reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to assist Maldives on its developmental journey and priorities. President of Maldives thanked India for its timely emergency financial assistance, including by way of rolling over T-bills subscribed by SBI amounting to USD 100 million in May and September 2024 for a further period of one year that provided the much-needed financial cushion for Maldives in addressing its urgent financing needs. He acknowledged India’s continued role as the ‘First Responder’ of Maldives in times of need, following India’s earlier assistance in the last decade during the 2014 water crisis in Malé and the Covid-19 pandemic.

President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu expressed his appreciation for the decision of the Government of India to extend support in the form of USD 400 million and INR 30 billion as a bilateral currency swap agreement, instrumental in tackling the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Maldives. The leaders also agreed to implement further measures to support Maldives in addressing its financial challenges.

The leaders acknowledged that it was an opportune time for both sides to chart a new framework for cooperation with an aim to comprehensively transform the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which is people-centric, future-oriented and will act as an anchor of stability in the Indian Ocean Region. In this context, both the leaders have decided as follows:

Political exchanges

In order to intensify exchanges at leadership and ministerial levels, the two sides will expand them to include exchanges of Parliamentarians and local government representatives. In addition, recognizing the contribution of shared democratic values in the growth of bilateral ties, they decided to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to enable institutionalized cooperation between the two Parliaments.

Development Cooperation

Taking into account the progress of ongoing developmental partnership projects, which have already brought tangible benefits to the people of Maldives, the two sides decided:

• To work together in advancing the developmental partnership, as per needs and requirements of Maldives, across areas, including ports, airports, housing, hospitals, roads networks, sports facilities, schools and water and sewerage;

• To provide assistance to the Maldives in addressing the housing challenges and to accelerate the ongoing social housing projects supported by India’s assistance;

• To extend full support for the timely completion of the flagship Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), and to undertake a feasibility study to connect the islands of Thilafushi and Giraavaru as an extension;

• To collaborate in the development of a state-of-the-art commercial port at Thilafushi island in order to de-congest the Malé port and provide enhanced cargo handling capacity at Thilafushi;

• To also explore collaboration for development of transshipment facilities and bunkering services contributing towards Maldives Economic Gateway project at Ihavandhippolhu and Gaadhoo islands of Maldives;

• To jointly work in harnessing the full potential of Hanimaadhoo and Gan airports that are being developed with Indian assistance as well as other airports of Maldives. Towards this end, both sides will also consider measures to strengthen air connectivity, attract investments and collaborate for efficient management of these airports;

• To jointly work in establishing “Agriculture Economic Zone” and tourism investments in Haa Dhaalu atoll and fish processing and canning facility at Haa Alifu atoll with Indian assistance;

• To further expand through additional financing the successful High Impact Community Development Projects to take the India-Maldives people-centric development partnership to every part of Maldives.

Trade and economic cooperation

In view of significant untapped potential for bilateral trade & investment, the two sides agreed:

• To initiate discussions on a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement focusing on trade in goods and services between the two countries;

• To operationalize the settlement of trade transactions between India and Maldives in local currencies with an aim to deepen trade linkages and to reduce dependency on foreign currencies;

• To promote bilateral investments and closer engagements between the two business chambers and entities; steps shall be taken for disseminating information relating to investment opportunities and to improve ease of doing business;

• To support the efforts of Maldives towards diversification of its economy by strengthening cooperation in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, oceanography and blue economy, including through establishment of academic linkages and expanding research & development cooperation;

• To enhance efforts to boost tourism between the two countries through marketing campaigns and collaborative efforts.

Digital and financial cooperation

Given that developments in digital and financial domains have transformational impact on governance and delivery of services the two sides agreed:

• to share expertise on implementation of digital and financial services;

• To cooperate in the domain of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Unique Digital Identity, Gati Shakti Scheme and other digital services that will enhance e-governance and delivery of services through digital domain for the benefit of people of Maldives;

• While welcoming the launch of RuPay card in Maldives, which will enhance ease of payments for Indian tourists visiting Maldives, to work closely to extend similar services for Maldivian nationals visiting India.

Energy cooperation

Given the role of energy security in ensuring sustainable development, the two sides agreed to explore cooperation through implementation of solar power and other renewable energy and energy efficiency projects to bring down energy costs and enable Maldives to achieve its NDC Goals, both sides will establish a framework for an institutional partnership which will include training, exchange of visits, joint research, technical projects and promotion of investments.

Towards this end, both sides will also undertake a feasibility study to identify measures that would enable Maldives to participate in the One Sun One World One Grid initiative.

Health cooperation

The two sides agreed:

• To further deepen ongoing health cooperation through provisioning of safe, quality and affordable healthcare to the people of Maldives in India and promoting linkages between hospitals in India and facilities and improving access to essential health services in Maldives for strengthening health-care infrastructure in Maldives;

• To work towards recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia by the Government of Maldives, followed by establishment of India-Maldives Jan Aushadhi Kendras across Maldives to contribute to health security efforts of Maldives through provisioning of affordable and quality generic medicines from India;

• To work together to improve mental health services and support systems to central and regional mental health services of Maldives;

• To collaborate through training programs for healthcare professionals to enhance skills and knowledge;

• To work together on health research initiatives to address common health challenges including cancer, infertility, etc;

• To work together in sharing of expertise on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation measures as well as assist in setting-up of rehabilitation centres in Maldives;

• To work together in enhancing capacity of the Maldives to undertake emergency medical evacuations.

Defence & Security Cooperation

India and Maldives share common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region which have multi-dimensional implications for the security and development of both the countries. As natural partners, they resolve to work together in advancing the maritime and security cooperation for the benefit of peoples of both India and Maldives as well as for the larger Indian Ocean Region.

Maldives, with its vast Exclusive Economic Zone, is exposed to traditional and non-traditional maritime challenges including piracy, IUU fishing, drug smuggling, and terrorism. The two countries agreed that India, as a trusted and dependable partner, will work closely with Maldives in sharing of expertise, augmenting capabilities and undertake joint cooperative measures, as per needs and requirements of Maldives; they also agreed that the ongoing Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) ‘Ekatha’ harbour project at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) with India’s assistance will significantly contribute towards enhancing MNDF’s operational capabilities, and agreed to extend full support for its timely completion.

The two sides also agreed:

• To support Maldives with provisioning of defence platforms and assets to augment capabilities of MNDF as well as that of the Government of Maldives in advancing its maritime and security requirements in line with its national priorities;

• To support Maldives in enhancing surveillance and monitoring capability of MNDF with the provisioning of radar systems and other equipment

• To support Maldives on Hydrographic matters, including, through capacity building and training, as per the requirements of the Government of Maldives;

• To strengthen cooperation in the area of disaster response and risk mitigation, including through development of SOPs and exercises to achieve enhanced interoperability;

• To assist Maldives in the domain of Information Sharing by supporting the development of capabilities through infrastructure, training and sharing of best practices.

• To inaugurate at an early date the state-of-the-art Maldivian Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in Malé, constructed with India’s assistance, that will augment modern infrastructural capacity of the MoD;

• To increase capacity building & training slots for MNDF, Maldives Police Services (MPS), and other security organizations of Maldives under the ITEC programmes and other customized training programmes in India;

• To extend financial assistance to develop and upgrade MNDF infrastructure.

Capacity Building and training

Reviewing the various ongoing capacity building initiatives that have positively contributed towards human resource developmental needs of Maldives, the two sides agreed to further expand support towards training and capacity building as per requirements and priorities of Maldives; They also agreed:

• To continue with customized training programmes for civil servants and local government representatives of Maldives.

• To launch a new programme to promote women-led development by imparting skills training and extending support to Maldivian women entrepreneurs for their enhanced participation in Maldivian economy;

• To collaborate in establishment of a Start-up Incubator-Accelerator in Maldives to harness the innovation potential of the youth.

People-to-people linkages

People-to-people linkages between India and Maldives have remained the bedrock of the special and unique ties between the two countries. The two sides agreed to take measures to deepen these linkages and decided:

• To work positively towards establishing a consulate of Maldives in Bengaluru and a consulate of India in Addu city recognizing that these would contribute to expansion of trade and economic cooperation and greater people-to-people contacts;

• To enhance air and maritime connectivity to facilitate ease of travel, support economic engagement and promote tourism;

• To establish higher education institutions, skilling centres and centres of excellence in Maldives, as per its needs and requirements;

• To work towards establishing an ICCR Chair in the Maldives National University.

Cooperation at Regional and Multilateral Fora

Close cooperation between India and Maldives has benefited both countries in regional and international fora and amplified each other’s voice on issues of common interest. With the recent signing of the Charter of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), India and Maldives, as founding members of the CSC, further reaffirmed to work closely in advancing their common maritime and security interests with an aim to achieve a safe, secure and peaceful Indian Ocean Region. The two sides also agreed to continue working closely in multilateral fora.

• The leaders directed officials from both India and Maldives to implement the outlined areas of cooperation in a timely and efficient manner with an aim to steer the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two countries for the common benefit of the peoples of both India and Maldives as well as for the Indian Ocean Region. They decided to constitute a new High-Level Core Group to oversee the progress in the implementation of this vision document. The leadership of this group will be decided mutually between the two sides. 

SOURCE : The President’s Office

A new chapter for Maldives-India trade begins now: Minister Saeed

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India, marks the start of a new chapter of the Maldives-India trade. The remarks were made by the minister during the India-Maldives Business Forum held in New Delhi, India.

In his address, Minister Saeed shed light on the economic and trade relations between the Maldives and India. Highlighting the strong relations in this field, the Minister expressed confidence that the bilateral ties will continue to strengthen moving forward.

During the forum, Minister Saeed emphasised the government’s efforts to diversify the Maldivian economy. The noted that the outcomes of initiatives undertaken over the past ten months are now evident, aligning with President Dr Muizzu’s vision of transforming the Maldives into a developed nation. He stated that the President’s primary focus is on advancing the Maldives towards a digital economy, expanding the financial sector, and developing new revenue-generating industries. As such, he stated that the government has introduced the maritime sector to the Maldives and is continuing to expand it.

Furthermore, Minister Saeed affirmed that the Maldives offers a secure environment for investment. Providing information on the recent legislative changes to ensure the security of investors, the Minister stated that 45-year-old legislation related to foreign investment was now amended to fit modern standards. He added that the changes being brought to the financial system will also ensure the security of intellectual property. The Minister expressed optimism about achieving positive economic changes through collaboration between the two countries.

SOURCE : PSM

First Lady visits FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi

First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed visited the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in New Delhi this evening and met with senior officials.

During the visit, she emphasised that collaboration between the FSSAI and the Maldives could significantly enhance food safety standards in the Maldives. She also expressed her gratitude to the FSSAI for its ongoing support in the area of food safety.

Key discussions centered on strengthening Maldives-India cooperation in food safety, particularly through Codex, food safety regulations, and best practices in food testing.

Additionally, the FSSAI arranged a brief demonstration of its ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ initiative, a mobile unit dedicated to food testing and raising awareness about food safety.

The First Lady is currently accompanying President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu and a high-level delegation of senior government officials on a state visit to India.

“Long-standing ties between Maldives and India will provide mutual benefits”

SOURCE : The President’s Office

India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally: President Dr Muizzu

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that India has consistently proven to be a steadfast ally to the Maldives.

He made the statement in his address at the official banquet hosted by Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu, President of the Republic of India. The banquet was held on Monday evening as part of President Dr Muizzu’s state visit to India.

In his address, the President reflected on the shared values, history, and cultural exchanges that had shaped the enduring partnership between Maldives and India over the years. President Dr Muizzu added, the diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, on its sixth decade, is poised to flourish to even greater heights.

President Dr Muizzu reiterated his electoral pledge of mutual respect between neighbouring nations. President Dr Muizzu also expressed confidence on strengthened relations with India, built on mutually beneficial solutions that serve the interests of the two nations.

Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi, First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed, officials from the Indian government and the visiting Maldivian delegation attended the official banquet.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

President Dr Muizzu addresses India-Maldives Business Forum in New Delhi

President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu delivered a keynote address at the India-Maldives Business Forum in New Delhi today during his ongoing state visit to India.

His address highlighted the partnership between the two nations and outlined opportunities for future collaboration. President Dr Muizzu recognized India’s support to the Maldives’ economic growth and stressed the importance of private sector investments. 

He unveiled his Administration’s agenda for economic transformation, focusing on diversifying beyond tourism into industries such financial services, maritime industries, and the digital economy. The development of Ras Malé, an eco-city project aimed at transforming the Maldivian metropolis, is one such key initiative.

The President highlighted recent economic reforms, including a new Foreign Investment Law and plans to launch the Maldives International Financial Centre in 2025. He also announced the imminent operation of the first Development Bank of Maldives.

President Dr Muizzu emphasised the importance of digital growth, aiming to increase the digital economy’s share of GDP to 15% by 2030. Moreover, he announced the launch of RuPay card services in the Maldives, which will make financial transactions between India and the Maldives easier and more efficient.

He also touched upon the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable development, pledging to meet 33% of the country’s energy requirements through renewable sources by 2028.

President Dr Muizzu is on a five-day state visit to India, accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation.

SOURCE : The President’s Office

“Maldives ready to embrace the next chapter of the digital revolution”

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Maldives is ready to embrace the next chapter of the digital revolution, revealing the Maldives’ aim of advancing as a digital economy. The statement was made by the president during his address at the India-Maldives Business Forum held in New Delhi, India.

Speaking at the forum, President Dr Muizzu stated that India was a key partner in the economic development of the Maldives, highlighting India’s continuous support and assistance provided in infrastructure, health, education, and several other sectors. The president shed light on the long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries, reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment of elevating the existing levels of bilateral cooperation.

In his address, President Dr Muizzu underscored the critical role private investments play to expedite the economic development and increase the nation’s productivity. The president emphasised the importance of the private sector in enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable development as well. He stressed the need to encourage such investments to improve the livelihoods of our people.

Furthermore, President Dr Muizzu stated that he assumed office with a bold developmental agenda, aiming to transform the Maldivian economy. The president disclosed that the agenda included strengthening the existing base of tourism, and further diversifying into key areas such as financial services, maritime and digital economy. He revealed that the Maldives aims to advance as a digital economy, extending invitations for investors to invest in this field. The president shared information on the changes brought to the legal framework, to protect investors. He particularly highlighted the introduction of the Foreign Investment Law.

Highlighting that the economic development primarily depends on the tourism industry, President Dr Muizzu stated that efforts are underway to expand the industry and broaden capital market. The president also highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance and reform the financial industry of the Maldives as well. He expressed optimism in the establishment of the Maldives International Financial Centre, announcing plans to inaugurate the Development Bank of Maldives during this quarter. He further stated that this in turn will mark a significant milestone in the nation’s financial landscape.

Additionally, President Dr Muizzu shed light on the progress made by the Maldives in the fields of environment and renewable energy. The president shared important details pertaining to the development of the agriculture and fisheries industries, and the efforts being exerted to achieve the overarching goal of producing 33% energy, from renewable sources. He stated that the Maldives-India bilateral ties are built on a strong foundation, assuring that the collaboration will ensure mutual benefits to both countries.

SOURCE : PSM

“Long-standing ties between Maldives and India will provide mutual benefits”

Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankar has stated that the long-standing, historic relations between the Maldives and India, will ensure a wide range of mutual benefits to the residents of both countries. The remarks were made by the Vice President of India, when he paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Speaking at the meeting, President Dr Muizzu stated that next year marks 60 years of formal diplomatic ties between the Maldives and India, highlighting the centuries-long history of trade and friendship between the two countries. The President expressed his gratitude for India’s prompt support to the Maldives in challenging times, which he said signals the trust and understanding between the Maldives and India.

Meanwhile, India’s Vice President spoke about the fundamental role of people-to-people contact for fostering closer relations between any two countries, noting the historical links that remain strong to this day bringing together Maldivians and Indians in a wide range of mutually beneficial areas. The discussions between both leaders then focused on cooperating across all levels of both governments to keep the momentum going in light of the positive engagements during the state visit.

SOURCE : PSM