&nbsp;Maldives’ senior official Mohamed Saeed has described talks with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal as “highly productive”, signalling ongoing momentum in bilateral economic relations. The discussions in New Delhi last week focused on deepening cooperation in the digital economy, tourism connectivity and trade facilitation, building on recent high-level visits by Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives.&nbsp;The Minister of Economic Development Transport and Trade, Saeed said the meetings reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding partnership for “tangible benefits”. Negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) have now been concluded, while work on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been fast-tracked.&nbsp;For the Maldives, the agreements offer preferential access to India’s vast market for fisheries, seafood, digital services and creative industries, while encouraging Indian investment in tourism, renewable energy, healthcare and education. Saeed highlighted the potential for job creation, technology transfer and economic diversification, aligning with President Muizzu’s goal of growing the digital economy to 33% of GDP.The FTA is expected to streamline customs, reduce trade barriers and boost tourism through better air links. Full interview:&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How was your meeting with Indian Trade minister Piyush Goyal, and what substantive outcomes came from the meeting?&nbsp;Mohamed Saeed: It was an honour to meet with Piyush Goyal. Our discussions were highly productive and reaffirmed the strong economic partnership between the Maldives and India, as well as our shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas that will deliver tangible benefits for both countries. The momentum we are witnessing today builds on the successful visit of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India and the subsequent visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives. These high-level engagements reaffirmed the shared commitment of both leaders to further deepen our economic partnership and laid the foundation for advancing several important initiatives. A significant focus of our discussions was strengthening the Maldivian economy through deeper economic cooperation. In particular, we explored opportunities to advance collaboration in the digital economy, in line with His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of increasing the digital economy’s contribution to 33 percent of the national economy. We discussed how closer collaboration with India can support digital transformation, innovation, and the development of a modern, technology-driven economy in the Maldives. Recognising the importance of tourism as the backbone of the Maldivian economy, we also discussed improving air connectivity between our two countries to facilitate greater travel and further boost tourist arrivals. Enhanced connectivity will not only strengthen people-to-people ties but also create new opportunities for trade, investment, and business engagement. In addition, we exchanged views on trade facilitative reforms aimed at making bilateral trade more efficient and predictable. By improving the ease of doing business and addressing practical barriers to trade, we can unlock greater commercial opportunities for businesses in both the Maldives and India. I believe these discussions have laid a strong foundation for even closer economic cooperation between our two countries. As we build on this momentum, I am confident that the outcomes will translate into meaningful opportunities that support the Maldives’ economic development while further strengthening our longstanding partnership with India.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: India and the Maldives have concluded negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), &amp; fast-tracked negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA). How will it be significant for both sides, gain essentially for both sides?&nbsp;Mohamed Saeed: The conclusion of negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty and the significant advancements we have made in fast-tracking the India–Maldives Free Trade Agreement build on the strong foundation established during the visit of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India. These efforts have been further reinforced through a series of business forums held in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, during His Excellency, President Dr Muizzu’s visit which have strengthened engagement between the public and private sectors of both countries and created new opportunities for trade and investment. For the Maldives, these initiatives go far beyond increasing trade. They represent a strategic opportunity to diversify our economy, strengthen our economic resilience, and create new avenues for sustainable growth. The FTA will provide Maldivian businesses with preferential access to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets, creating new opportunities for our fisheries sector, value-added seafood products, marine industries, digital services, creative industries, and other emerging sectors. It will also enable our small and medium-sized enterprises to become more competitive, expand into new markets, and integrate more effectively into regional value chains. The Bilateral Investment Treaty will complement these efforts by providing a transparent, predictable, and rules-based framework for investment. This will give investors greater confidence while encouraging increased Indian investment into priority sectors such as tourism, logistics, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and the digital economy. Such investments will generate employment, facilitate technology transfer, enhance skills development, and support innovation, contributing to the Government’s broader objective of building a more diversified and future-ready economy. The Free Trade Agreement will also promote trade facilitation by streamlining customs procedures, strengthening regulatory cooperation, and reducing unnecessary barriers to trade. These measures will lower the cost of doing business, improve supply chain efficiency, and create a more conducive environment for trade and investment, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike. For India, these agreements further strengthen economic engagement with one of its closest maritime partners while creating greater opportunities for Indian businesses and investors. As trade, investment, and business partnerships continue to expand, I believe these agreements will deliver tangible and lasting benefits for both countries. More importantly, they will support the Maldives’ long-term vision of building a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy while further strengthening the enduring partnership between the Maldives and India.&nbsp;

For the Maldives, the agreements offer preferential access to India’s vast market for fisheries, seafood, digital services and creative industries, while encouraging Indian investment in tourism, renewable energy, healthcare and education.

Maldives’ senior official Mohamed Saeed has described talks with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal as “highly productive”, signalling ongoing momentum in bilateral economic relations. The discussions in New Delhi last week focused on deepening cooperation in the digital economy, tourism connectivity and trade facilitation, building on recent high-level visits by Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives. The Minister of Economic Development Transport and Trade, Saeed said the meetings reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to expanding partnership for “tangible benefits”. Negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) have now been concluded, while work on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been fast-tracked. For the Maldives, the agreements offer preferential access to India’s vast market for fisheries, seafood, digital services and creative industries, while encouraging Indian investment in tourism, renewable energy, healthcare and education. Saeed highlighted the potential for job creation, technology transfer and economic diversification, aligning with President Muizzu’s goal of growing the digital economy to 33% of GDP. The FTA is expected to streamline customs, reduce trade barriers and boost tourism through better air links. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: How was your meeting with Indian Trade minister Piyush Goyal, and what substantive outcomes came from the meeting? Mohamed Saeed: It was an honour to meet with Piyush Goyal. Our discussions were highly productive and reaffirmed the strong economic partnership between the Maldives and India, as well as our shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas that will deliver tangible benefits for both countries. The momentum we are witnessing today builds on the successful visit of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India and the subsequent visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives. These high-level engagements reaffirmed the shared commitment of both leaders to further deepen our economic partnership and laid the foundation for advancing several important initiatives. A significant focus of our discussions was strengthening the Maldivian economy through deeper economic cooperation. In particular, we explored opportunities to advance collaboration in the digital economy, in line with His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s vision of increasing the digital economy’s contribution to 33 percent of the national economy. We discussed how closer collaboration with India can support digital transformation, innovation, and the development of a modern, technology-driven economy in the Maldives. Recognising the importance of tourism as the backbone of the Maldivian economy, we also discussed improving air connectivity between our two countries to facilitate greater travel and further boost tourist arrivals. Enhanced connectivity will not only strengthen people-to-people ties but also create new opportunities for trade, investment, and business engagement. In addition, we exchanged views on trade facilitative reforms aimed at making bilateral trade more efficient and predictable. By improving the ease of doing business and addressing practical barriers to trade, we can unlock greater commercial opportunities for businesses in both the Maldives and India. I believe these discussions have laid a strong foundation for even closer economic cooperation between our two countries. As we build on this momentum, I am confident that the outcomes will translate into meaningful opportunities that support the Maldives’ economic development while further strengthening our longstanding partnership with India. Sidhant Sibal: India and the Maldives have concluded negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), & fast-tracked negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement (FTA). How will it be significant for both sides, gain essentially for both sides? Mohamed Saeed: The conclusion of negotiations on the Bilateral Investment Treaty and the significant advancements we have made in fast-tracking the India–Maldives Free Trade Agreement build on the strong foundation established during the visit of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India. These efforts have been further reinforced through a series of business forums held in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, during His Excellency, President Dr Muizzu’s visit which have strengthened engagement between the public and private sectors of both countries and created new opportunities for trade and investment. For the Maldives, these initiatives go far beyond increasing trade. They represent a strategic opportunity to diversify our economy, strengthen our economic resilience, and create new avenues for sustainable growth. The FTA will provide Maldivian businesses with preferential access to one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets, creating new opportunities for our fisheries sector, value-added seafood products, marine industries, digital services, creative industries, and other emerging sectors. It will also enable our small and medium-sized enterprises to become more competitive, expand into new markets, and integrate more effectively into regional value chains. The Bilateral Investment Treaty will complement these efforts by providing a transparent, predictable, and rules-based framework for investment. This will give investors greater confidence while encouraging increased Indian investment into priority sectors such as tourism, logistics, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and the digital economy. Such investments will generate employment, facilitate technology transfer, enhance skills development, and support innovation, contributing to the Government’s broader objective of building a more diversified and future-ready economy. The Free Trade Agreement will also promote trade facilitation by streamlining customs procedures, strengthening regulatory cooperation, and reducing unnecessary barriers to trade. These measures will lower the cost of doing business, improve supply chain efficiency, and create a more conducive environment for trade and investment, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike. For India, these agreements further strengthen economic engagement with one of its closest maritime partners while creating greater opportunities for Indian businesses and investors. As trade, investment, and business partnerships continue to expand, I believe these agreements will deliver tangible and lasting benefits for both countries. More importantly, they will support the Maldives’ long-term vision of building a resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy while further strengthening the enduring partnership between the Maldives and India.

For the Maldives, the agreements offer preferential access to India’s vast market for fisheries, seafood, digital services and creative industries, while encouraging Indian investment in tourism, renewable energy, healthcare and education.

Maldives Minister Saeed sees FTA with India opening opportunities for Maldivian marine industry

New Delhi: Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam has described bilateral relations with India as “long-standing” and “very close”, signalling a push to accelerate cooperation during her first official visit as minister to Delhi.&nbsp;Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, following her meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, FM Adam emphasised the complementary nature of the two countries' policies. “Our first foreign policy [under] President Dr Muizzu and the Indian Prime Minister Modi’s neighbourhood first policy... complement each other,” she said. The two nations are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations.&nbsp;Adam highlighted extensive development partnership projects in infrastructure, social housing, connectivity, transport, harbours and airports. “These are very important projects that impact the lives of the people,” she added. Both sides agreed to expedite implementation. “We will make sure that from both sides... we will try to step up and speed up the process... ensure that the projects are implemented timely and delivered.”&nbsp;India has been a key development partner and first responder, providing COVID vaccines and assistance during crises. Adam acknowledged recent financial support amid the West Asia conflict’s fallout on supply chains, food, fuel and medicine.&nbsp;&nbsp;“This facility will help us in the short-term... supplying the food commodities, subsidies,” she explained when asked about India’s Rs 30 billion financial assistance under SAARC currency swap.&nbsp;The Maldives government settled previous debts, including $50 million payments due to India in April and September. “We have settled this payment... we do not have a default, which would be very [hard] on the people,” Adam said.&nbsp;On the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Adam expressed optimism. “Negotiations [and] consultations have already been convened... we will try to sign the free trade agreement this year.” She said this would boost trade, investment, tourism and infrastructure, calling it an “excellent signal” for the 60th anniversary.&nbsp;Tourism, a vital sector for the island nation, remains a focus. India is the sixth-largest source market. “We have noted that India is the 6th largest tourist market for the Maldives... with the diversification of the market that will help... people-to-people contact.”&nbsp;Defence and security ties were described positively. “Maldives and India enjoy... bilateral cooperation,” Adam said, citing capacity building, joint exercises and assistance to Maldives’ forces. Both nations, sharing Indian Ocean geography, cooperate through forums like IORA and the Colombo Security Conclave to promote “peace and security in the region.”&nbsp;Adam addressed past anti-India sentiment. “Any difficulty or misunderstanding may or might have been... we do not know how it can be, or it could be from external sources,” she said, adding the current governments are committed to strengthening ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We believe that... we will strengthen the relations.”&nbsp;On the Strait of Hormuz disruptions from the West Asian war, the minister stressed the Maldives' advocacy for open maritime passages. “We advocate... maritime... passages are allowed so that the essential goods and the needed supplies reach the people.”&nbsp;Adam, a 25-year diplomacy veteran and former High Commissioner to London who won a top Asian-Oceania diplomat award, is the 2nd woman to be the foreign minister of the Maldives.

Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam acknowledged the recent financial support amid the West Asia conflict’s fallout on supply chains, food, fuel and medicine. The Maldives government settled previous debts, including $50 million payments due to India in April and September.

New Delhi: Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam has described bilateral relations with India as “long-standing” and “very close”, signalling a push to accelerate cooperation during her first official visit as minister to Delhi. Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, following her meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, FM Adam emphasised the complementary nature of the two countries' policies. “Our first foreign policy [under] President Dr Muizzu and the Indian Prime Minister Modi’s neighbourhood first policy... complement each other,” she said. The two nations are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. Adam highlighted extensive development partnership projects in infrastructure, social housing, connectivity, transport, harbours and airports. “These are very important projects that impact the lives of the people,” she added. Both sides agreed to expedite implementation. “We will make sure that from both sides... we will try to step up and speed up the process... ensure that the projects are implemented timely and delivered.” India has been a key development partner and first responder, providing COVID vaccines and assistance during crises. Adam acknowledged recent financial support amid the West Asia conflict’s fallout on supply chains, food, fuel and medicine. “This facility will help us in the short-term... supplying the food commodities, subsidies,” she explained when asked about India’s Rs 30 billion financial assistance under SAARC currency swap. The Maldives government settled previous debts, including $50 million payments due to India in April and September. “We have settled this payment... we do not have a default, which would be very [hard] on the people,” Adam said. On the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Adam expressed optimism. “Negotiations [and] consultations have already been convened... we will try to sign the free trade agreement this year.” She said this would boost trade, investment, tourism and infrastructure, calling it an “excellent signal” for the 60th anniversary. Tourism, a vital sector for the island nation, remains a focus. India is the sixth-largest source market. “We have noted that India is the 6th largest tourist market for the Maldives... with the diversification of the market that will help... people-to-people contact.” Defence and security ties were described positively. “Maldives and India enjoy... bilateral cooperation,” Adam said, citing capacity building, joint exercises and assistance to Maldives’ forces. Both nations, sharing Indian Ocean geography, cooperate through forums like IORA and the Colombo Security Conclave to promote “peace and security in the region.” Adam addressed past anti-India sentiment. “Any difficulty or misunderstanding may or might have been... we do not know how it can be, or it could be from external sources,” she said, adding the current governments are committed to strengthening ties. “We believe that... we will strengthen the relations.” On the Strait of Hormuz disruptions from the West Asian war, the minister stressed the Maldives' advocacy for open maritime passages. “We advocate... maritime... passages are allowed so that the essential goods and the needed supplies reach the people.” Adam, a 25-year diplomacy veteran and former High Commissioner to London who won a top Asian-Oceania diplomat award, is the 2nd woman to be the foreign minister of the Maldives.

Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam acknowledged the recent financial support amid the West Asia conflict’s fallout on supply chains, food, fuel and medicine. The Maldives government settled previous debts, including $50 million payments due to India in April and September.

Maldives eyes India FTA signing by end of 2026, says Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam

Indian High Commissioner to Maldives G.&nbsp;Balasubramanian has said that with the introduction of UPI in Maldives, the number of Indian tourists is expected to grow by 10-15%. Agreements were exchanged during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit last week on a network-to-network pact between India’s National Payments Corporation (NPCI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority for introduction of UPI. &nbsp;Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, HC Balasubramanian said, "It would be easier, rather than converting and doing it would be easier to use their own current accounts, their savings bank account, to book resorts over here".&nbsp;&nbsp;Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has approved the introduction of UPI following a Cabinet recommendation in October 2024. Terming the relationship "wonderful", he said, "the terms of reference for the free trade agreement have been signed....the negotiations would be concluded soon". Announcement on FTA was another key announcement&nbsp;during PM Modi's visit to the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Here's the full interview:</h2>&nbsp;How do you see India's support to Maldives?&nbsp;We have had a wonderful relationship with Maldives, and our leadership has nurtured this relationship with very great efforts and importance that has been paid by both the leadership. Visit of the Prime Minister is a landmark visit, because he has been invited as the first head of state to have a state visit under the presidency of President Muizzu and within eight months of the previous state visit of President Muizzu, this is taking place, reflecting the strength of the relationship. Two measures have been announced and signed. The terms of reference for the free trade agreement have been signed, and our commerce secretary was here earlier this month to finalize the terms of reference, we are very confident that the FTA will be finalised soon. The negotiations would be concluded soon. We also have an implementation agreement between NPCI and its counterpart here in Maldives for onboarding the UPI. So now the technical part of it, regarding the QR code and other things will be worked out, and I'm sure soon our tourists who come over from India would be in a position to benefit out of this particular agreement. We have also signed agreements on fisheries, on weather, meteorology and Pharmacopeia. Indian Pharmacopoeia has now been recognised in Maldives. Also, We are already the largest trading partner for Maldives. So these things would certainly give further fillip, to our relationship,&nbsp;You mentioned the usage of UPI. We also know that the line of credit is in rupee denomination, and yesterday, the Bank of Maldives announced that accounts can be opened in Indian rupee as well. What's the big message on the usage of national currencies when it comes to trade and how it will benefit the people of India and Maldives? Today, Indian tourist have to pay using a different currency to come over and book his or her place in the resorts over here, the UPI would certainly facilitate them, and it would be easier, rather than converting and doing it would be easier to use their own current accounts, their savings bank account, to book resorts over here. And that would certainly increase the number of tourists at least by 10 to 15% is what we hope for, coming over to Maldives. Apart from this, certainly the line of credit that has been provided is also an ongoing relationship as far as the Development Partnership is concerned. We are one of the largest development partners of Maldives, both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of capacity building. Our prime minister announced the $565 million denominated in Indian rupees, a line of credit for various infrastructure projects that Maldives would be prioritizing. Earlier, also, we have given various lines of credit, buyers credit, grants. So our partnership has been going on, and this is yet another leaf in the partnership which will strengthen it,&nbsp;A complete turnaround in the relationship, a textbook case of how Indian diplomacy can ensure that the relationship can come back on track, because 2023 looks like a distant past now. So, if you can perhaps talk about this turnaround and how Prime Minister Modi's visit has been a milestone in bringing this turnaround as well.&nbsp;As you know, India and Maldives are historical and geographical partners. Our relationship actually started during Indus Valley civilization itself in Lothal, the port district of Gujarat, it had relationships with atolls in North Of Maldives. So our ancestors have actually had relationships. Whenever there has been a crisis, whether it is man made or whether it is natural calamity, India has been the first responder, be it the 1988 operation Cactus, or when they ran out of water in 2014 because of an accident, it was us who provided. Covid, we provided, we even provided the transport bubble during covid to sustain the tourism over here. So our relationship is very strong, irrespective of whatever blips that happen, it would only be natural for both the countries to continue working and improving the relationship. There is a huge connect between the people and everybody understands how our relationship has been and how India has been a friend. We continue to do so.&nbsp;What is next for the relationship between India and Maldives, especially in the context of people-to-people relationship as Indian tourists to Maldives on a regular basis. Many Maldivians travel to India for health, for education. So if you can shed some light briefly The vision document that was brought out during the state visit of President Muizzu&nbsp;to India in October 2024 laid the foundation of the growing relationship. It was a comprehensive partnership on economic and maritime security. This visit of our prime minister to Maldives&nbsp; again has further cemented this relationship. The kind of agreements that have been signed and the kind of ties and negotiations that have been held. The discussions certainly focus on how we look at further strengthening it. The 2 state visits will provide us the platform on which we will further go ahead.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Indian High Commissioner to Maldives G. Balasubramanian speaks to WION as the country introduces UPI. HC Balasubramanian said, "It would be easier, rather than converting and doing it would be easier to use their own current accounts, their savings bank account, to book resorts over here".

Indian High Commissioner to Maldives G. Balasubramanian has said that with the introduction of UPI in Maldives, the number of Indian tourists is expected to grow by 10-15%. Agreements were exchanged during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit last week on a network-to-network pact between India’s National Payments Corporation (NPCI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority for introduction of UPI. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, HC Balasubramanian said, "It would be easier, rather than converting and doing it would be easier to use their own current accounts, their savings bank account, to book resorts over here". Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has approved the introduction of UPI following a Cabinet recommendation in October 2024. Terming the relationship "wonderful", he said, "the terms of reference for the free trade agreement have been signed....the negotiations would be concluded soon". Announcement on FTA was another key announcement during PM Modi's visit to the country. Here's the full interview: How do you see India's support to Maldives? We have had a wonderful relationship with Maldives, and our leadership has nurtured this relationship with very great efforts and importance that has been paid by both the leadership. Visit of the Prime Minister is a landmark visit, because he has been invited as the first head of state to have a state visit under the presidency of President Muizzu and within eight months of the previous state visit of President Muizzu, this is taking place, reflecting the strength of the relationship. Two measures have been announced and signed. The terms of reference for the free trade agreement have been signed, and our commerce secretary was here earlier this month to finalize the terms of reference, we are very confident that the FTA will be finalised soon. The negotiations would be concluded soon. We also have an implementation agreement between NPCI and its counterpart here in Maldives for onboarding the UPI. So now the technical part of it, regarding the QR code and other things will be worked out, and I'm sure soon our tourists who come over from India would be in a position to benefit out of this particular agreement. We have also signed agreements on fisheries, on weather, meteorology and Pharmacopeia. Indian Pharmacopoeia has now been recognised in Maldives. Also, We are already the largest trading partner for Maldives. So these things would certainly give further fillip, to our relationship, You mentioned the usage of UPI. We also know that the line of credit is in rupee denomination, and yesterday, the Bank of Maldives announced that accounts can be opened in Indian rupee as well. What's the big message on the usage of national currencies when it comes to trade and how it will benefit the people of India and Maldives? Today, Indian tourist have to pay using a different currency to come over and book his or her place in the resorts over here, the UPI would certainly facilitate them, and it would be easier, rather than converting and doing it would be easier to use their own current accounts, their savings bank account, to book resorts over here. And that would certainly increase the number of tourists at least by 10 to 15% is what we hope for, coming over to Maldives. Apart from this, certainly the line of credit that has been provided is also an ongoing relationship as far as the Development Partnership is concerned. We are one of the largest development partners of Maldives, both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of capacity building. Our prime minister announced the $565 million denominated in Indian rupees, a line of credit for various infrastructure projects that Maldives would be prioritizing. Earlier, also, we have given various lines of credit, buyers credit, grants. So our partnership has been going on, and this is yet another leaf in the partnership which will strengthen it, A complete turnaround in the relationship, a textbook case of how Indian diplomacy can ensure that the relationship can come back on track, because 2023 looks like a distant past now. So, if you can perhaps talk about this turnaround and how Prime Minister Modi's visit has been a milestone in bringing this turnaround as well. As you know, India and Maldives are historical and geographical partners. Our relationship actually started during Indus Valley civilization itself in Lothal, the port district of Gujarat, it had relationships with atolls in North Of Maldives. So our ancestors have actually had relationships. Whenever there has been a crisis, whether it is man made or whether it is natural calamity, India has been the first responder, be it the 1988 operation Cactus, or when they ran out of water in 2014 because of an accident, it was us who provided. Covid, we provided, we even provided the transport bubble during covid to sustain the tourism over here. So our relationship is very strong, irrespective of whatever blips that happen, it would only be natural for both the countries to continue working and improving the relationship. There is a huge connect between the people and everybody understands how our relationship has been and how India has been a friend. We continue to do so. What is next for the relationship between India and Maldives, especially in the context of people-to-people relationship as Indian tourists to Maldives on a regular basis. Many Maldivians travel to India for health, for education. So if you can shed some light briefly The vision document that was brought out during the state visit of President Muizzu to India in October 2024 laid the foundation of the growing relationship. It was a comprehensive partnership on economic and maritime security. This visit of our prime minister to Maldives again has further cemented this relationship. The kind of agreements that have been signed and the kind of ties and negotiations that have been held. The discussions certainly focus on how we look at further strengthening it. The 2 state visits will provide us the platform on which we will further go ahead.

Indian High Commissioner to Maldives G.&nbsp;Balasubramanian speaks to WION as the country introduces UPI. HC Balasubramanian said, "It would be easier, rather than converting and doing it would be easier to use their own current accounts, their savings bank account, to book resorts over here".

UPI's introduction to increase Indian tourists to Maldives by 10-15% says HC G. Balasubramanian

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today. Maldives tourism minister Thoriq Ibrahim said that the opening of the new terminal is a 'plus point to the overall arrival of tourists to Maldives and helps in direct flights from Maldives'.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Maldives opens new terminal of Malé Intl Airport coinciding with country&#39;s Independence Day. World Bank estimates it will increase the GDP of the country, with inflow of tourists. First flight lands from India tomm <a href="https://t.co/PcAGqoix7A">https://t.co/PcAGqoix7A</a> <a href="https://t.co/jWBgaLazBK">pic.twitter.com/jWBgaLazBK</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1949173998849528019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Successive Maldives governments have been involved in the project for over a decade. The opening of the terminal will help increase tourism in the country, especially from neighbouring India. Chairperson of Visit Maldives, Abdulla Ghuyas Riyaz, pointed out,' having the right airport has been a challenge for us..' hoping to get Indian tourists over the next few years. CEO of Visit Maldives, Ibrahim Shiuree emphasised that 'we have seen a big recovery in Indian tourists...' and said the India roadshow helped them.&nbsp;The new 78,000-square-meter terminal is designed to handle 7 million passengers annually, a leap from 1.5 million capacity. Featuring 38 immigration counters, 40 boarding gates, and jet bridges, it promised smoother travel for tourists coming to the Maldives. Advanced baggage systems and designs inspired by the islands’ natural beauty are part of the terminal. &nbsp;India is helping the development country's Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the north, which will be opened after this year.

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today.

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today. Maldives tourism minister Thoriq Ibrahim said that the opening of the new terminal is a 'plus point to the overall arrival of tourists to Maldives and helps in direct flights from Maldives'.

The first flight from India will land at the new terminal of Malé International Airport, the biggest terminal in the country, later today. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the new passenger terminal on Saturday, coinciding with the nation’s 60th Independence Day today.

First flight from India to land at new terminal of Malé International Airport

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Maldives Minister Saeed sees FTA with India opening opportunities for Maldivian marine industry

Maldives eyes India FTA signing by end of 2026: Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam

UPI's introduction to increase Indian tourists to Maldives by 10-15%

First flight from India to land at new terminal of Malé International Airport