India is proud to be the most trusted friend of the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Friday after announcing a Rs 4,850-crore line of credit to the island nation. A day after sealing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, India also announced the launch of talks on an FTA with Maldives during the PM’s two-day state visit to the country. “Mausam chahe jaisa bhi ho (whatever the weather may be). our friendship will always remain bright and clear. India will continue to support the development of Maldives’ defence capabilities,” Modi said, addressing a joint press conference alongside Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. This marked a significant turnaround in the relationship which had seen some unease in the beginning of last year. “Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region are our shared goals. Together, through the Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security,” Modi said in his remarks after the two leaders held wide-ranging talks focusing on consolidating cooperation in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure. Besides FTA negotiations, Modi also announced that the two countries will work towards finalising a bilateral investment treaty. Later, addressing a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that both sides expect this FTA to be completed “fairly quickly”. The Maldives holds an important place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Modi said, underlining that mutual cooperation in defence and security is a testament to the mutual trust. “India will always support the Maldives to strengthen its defence capabilities,” he said. In his remarks, President Muizzu — who had visited India in October last year, signifying a thaw in bilateral ties — said: “I am also pleased to announce the initiation of negotiations for a free trade agreement between India and the Maldives. This landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening our economic partnership.” He flagged India’s place as a “key source market” for tourism in Maldives, adding that the two countries have discussed starting direct flights towards this objective. “We discussed ways to expand this vital sector (tourism) through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including the commencement of direct flights to further strengthen this connectivity,” he said. “On environmental cooperation, we explored opportunities for technical support and capacity building in waste management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, and water and sanitation,” Muizzu added. Both countries exchanged four MoUs and three agreements in the presence of Modi and Muizzu. India handed over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale under India's Buyers' Credit facilities. Modi inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu, and six high-impact community development projects. India will also provide 72 heavy vehicles to the Maldivian Ministry of Defence. Besides, there was an MoU on cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture, and one on sharing successful digital solutions implemented at population scale, as per officials in the Ministry of External Affairs. Earlier Friday morning, Modi landed in Male to a warm welcome with Muizzu and top ministers of his government receiving him. Later, he was accorded a colourful ceremonial welcome and a guard of honour at the iconic Republic Square. "Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come," Modi said in a social media post. The two leaders held a one-on-one meeting before settling down for delegation-level talks. The turnaround in the bilateral ties assumes significance as Muizzu, known to be close to China, came to power in the island nation in November 2023 on the back of an "India Out" campaign. His policies in the first few months of his presidency resulted in severe strain in ties. Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Arguably, New Delhi's sustained efforts, including its assistance to the island nation to deal with economic woes, helped bring the relations back on track. “India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a disaster or an epidemic, India has always stood by them as a 'First Responder'. Be it providing essential commodities or handling the economy after Covid, India has always worked together,” Modi said. On Saturday, Modi will participate in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives, as the Guest of Honour. On Friday, the two leaders also released a commemorative stamp to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.
