News Desk
Male’, Maldives– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his highly successful two-day state visit to the Maldives on Saturday, departing from Velana International Airport after being warmly seen off by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Finance Minister Moosa Zameer, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon and Home Minister Ali Ihsaan. The visit, which began on July 25, marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives.
During his stay, PM Modi was the guest of honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations, where he and President Muizzu held fruitful discussions. The leaders witnessed the exchange of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and three agreements, focusing on vital areas such as trade, infrastructure, and development cooperation. A key highlight was the announcement of the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, signaling a new chapter in economic collaboration. The visit also saw the inauguration of several key development projects supported by Indian assistance, reinforcing India’s role as a key partner in the Maldives’ socio-economic growth.
A commemorative stamp was released to mark 60 years of formal ties, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations. President Muizzu expressed his gratitude to PM Modi, describing the visit as “a defining moment that sets a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations.”
On the second day of his visit, PM Modi engaged in meaningful meetings with leaders from across the Maldivian political spectrum. Describing the interactions as “productive,” Modi highlighted the bipartisan support for strengthening India-Maldives ties. He praised the leaders and reiterated India’s commitment to the Maldives under its “Neighbourhood First” policy, underscoring the unity among political voices in fostering regional stability.
After concluding his visit to the Maldives, PM Modi is heading to Thoothukudi to inaugurate several projects, including the new terminal building of the Thoothukudi airport, which will significantly enhance commerce and connectivity in southern Tamil Nadu, along with the 4-laning of the 50 km Sethiyathope–Cholapuram stretch of NH-36 and the 6-laning of the 5.16 km NH-138 Tuticorin Port Road.
