Page 53 - NIS English 16-31 August 2025

PM Modi’s visit to UK and Maldives | FOREIGN

Discussion on many issues,

including free trade agreements
n India has also decided to reduce Maldives’ annual
debt payment obligations by 40 percent. It has
been reduced from US $ 51 million to US $ 29
million. This will help the Maldives to deal with
its economic problems. Apart from this, both the
countries agreed to start negotiations on a free
trade agreement.
n Six new projects were initiated or handed over to
the Maldives in the field of development projects,
including schemes related to social housing and
community development.

n Further promoting cooperation in various fields,
eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
were signed in fisheries, meteorology, digital
technology, and the pharma industry.
n A commemorative postage stamp was also jointly
released to commemorate the 60th anniversary of
diplomatic relations. PM Modi also inaugurated the
new building of the Ministry of Defence in Male.
aldives has an important place in India’s n PM Modi gifted a sapling to the Maldives under the
“Neighbourhood First policy,” and it is also a ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Two Bhishma
Mspecial partner in the Vision Mahasagar under Health Cube sets were handed over to Maldives under
the mutual coordination of security and development
with regional and maritime partners. With this commit- the Arogya Maitri initiative. The Indian government
ment, India has been seen standing with the Maldives in has also gifted 72 vehicles to the Maldives Army. n
every time of crisis. The depth of relations between the
two countries was visible on 25 July in the capital, Male,
where President Mohammed Muizzu himself reached the
airport with his entire cabinet to welcome Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. PM Modi, who arrived to attend the 60th
anniversary celebrations of Maldives’ independence as
the chief guest, said that during President Muizzu’s visit
to India in October last year, we shared the vision of a
comprehensive economic and maritime security part-
nership. Now it is becoming a reality. As a result of this,
our relations are touching new heights. Apart from gov-
ernment representatives, Prime Minister Modi also met
opposition leaders, businessmen, diaspora, and students.
Describing the Indian Ocean as living proof of the long-
term relations between the Maldives and India, Maldives
President Muizzu said that there is an unbreakable bond
between the two countries, which is far beyond diploma-
cy. During a state banquet organised in honour of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, Muizzu expressed gratitude for
the continued support and unbreakable friendship of the
Government of India.

August 16-31, 2025 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 51