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<p>The governments of India and Maldives, on Monday (Oct 7), signed key agreements, including the launch of the RuPay service in the latter country. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu began a four-day visit to India on Sunday. On Monday, he held delegation-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Following the meeting, Modi and Muizzu addressed a joint press conference where they&nbsp;virtually inaugurated the runway of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Maldives. The governments of both countries signed key agreements in different areas.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the key projects</strong></h2>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>A few days back, India's RuPay card payments were introduced in the Maldives. On Monday, Modi and&nbsp;Muizzu witnessed the first such transaction.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> During the press conference Modi said, "A few days back, the RuPay card was launched in Maldives. In the time to come, India and Maldives will be connected through UPI."</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>India and Maldives have agreed to start talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Key projects, MoUs signed between India, Maldives today: <a href="https://t.co/FG8oZEL2w5">pic.twitter.com/FG8oZEL2w5</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1843197965563044263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>&gt; </strong>A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Anti-Corruption Commission of Maldives for bilateral cooperation on preventing and combating corruption.</p>

<p><strong>&gt; </strong>An MoU was renewed between both countries on cooperation in sports and youth affairs.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>India approved a $400 million and a $357.35 million&nbsp;currency swap agreement, Modi said, adding that India was willing to provide extensive help to the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;to develop infrastructure.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>"...Today, more than 700 social housing units built with India's cooperation have been handed over (to Maldives)...To strengthen economic relations, we have decided to initiate discussion on Free Trade Agreement," Modi said.</p>

<h2><strong>'India always played role of first responder for Maldives'</strong></h2>

<p>Modi said that the relationship between India and the Maldives has been centuries old.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Maldives holds an important position in our neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision. India has always played the role of first responder for Maldives...India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu says, "I am thankful for the Indian Government's decision to provide support in the form of 30 billion Indian Rupees in addition to 400 million US Dollars bilateral currency swap agreement which will be instrumental in addressing… <a href="https://t.co/gFREdbi18h">pic.twitter.com/gFREdbi18h</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1843207537518370936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Muizzu said, "India is a key partner in the socio-economic and infrastructure development of Maldives and has stood by Maldives during our times of need. I would like to thank PM Modi, the government and people of India for the generous assistance and cooperation extended to Maldives over the years..."</p>


The governments of India and Maldives, on Monday (Oct 7), signed key agreements, including the launch of the RuPay service in the latter country. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu began a four-day visit to India on Sunday.

The governments of India and Maldives, on Monday (Oct 7), signed key agreements, including the launch of the RuPay service in the latter country. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu began a four-day visit to India on Sunday. On Monday, he held delegation-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Following the meeting, Modi and Muizzu addressed a joint press conference where they virtually inaugurated the runway of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in Maldives. The governments of both countries signed key agreements in different areas. A look at the key projects > A few days back, India's RuPay card payments were introduced in the Maldives. On Monday, Modi and Muizzu witnessed the first such transaction. > During the press conference Modi said, "A few days back, the RuPay card was launched in Maldives. In the time to come, India and Maldives will be connected through UPI." > India and Maldives have agreed to start talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Key projects, MoUs signed between India, Maldives today: pic.twitter.com/FG8oZEL2w5 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 7, 2024 × > A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Anti-Corruption Commission of Maldives for bilateral cooperation on preventing and combating corruption. > An MoU was renewed between both countries on cooperation in sports and youth affairs. > India approved a $400 million and a $357.35 million currency swap agreement, Modi said, adding that India was willing to provide extensive help to the Maldives to develop infrastructure. > "...Today, more than 700 social housing units built with India's cooperation have been handed over (to Maldives)...To strengthen economic relations, we have decided to initiate discussion on Free Trade Agreement," Modi said. 'India always played role of first responder for Maldives' Modi said that the relationship between India and the Maldives has been centuries old. "Maldives holds an important position in our neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision. India has always played the role of first responder for Maldives...India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," he said. #WATCH | Delhi: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu says, "I am thankful for the Indian Government's decision to provide support in the form of 30 billion Indian Rupees in addition to 400 million US Dollars bilateral currency swap agreement which will be instrumental in addressing… pic.twitter.com/gFREdbi18h — ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2024 × Meanwhile, Muizzu said, "India is a key partner in the socio-economic and infrastructure development of Maldives and has stood by Maldives during our times of need. I would like to thank PM Modi, the government and people of India for the generous assistance and cooperation extended to Maldives over the years..."

Indian, Maldivian govts sign MoUs including currency swap deal worth $400 million

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<p>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who began his first state visit to India on Sunday (Oct 6), said that his government would never do anything that undermined the security of India.</p>

<p>Speaking to the Times of India (TOI), President Muizzu said that India was a valued partner and friend of the Maldives, and the relationship was built on mutual respect and shared interests.</p>

<p>Muizzu said that his country would continue to prioritise its longstanding and trusted relationship with India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Maldives will always come first, but...'</strong></h2>

<p>Since coming to power, the Muizzu government has taken several steps that have been unconventional from the point of view of India-Maldives ties.&nbsp;The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu's party.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-muizzu-took-action-against-ministers-who-made-anti-modi-remarks-762737">Maldives President Muizzu: Took action against ministers who made anti-Modi remarks</a></strong></p>

<p>Last year, three ministers of his government made derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi which further strained the relationship between the two countries.</p>

<p>The Maldives government quickly distanced itself from these comments by the ministers, and Muizzu said he took against such ministers who made these remarks about Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to TOI, Muizzu said on Sunday, "My policy is Maldives First. For me, the Maldives will always come first. But respect for our neighbours and friends is embedded in our DNA."</p>

<p>"Indians have always been welcomed in the Maldives, Indians continue to prosper in the Maldives, and be safe and happy," he said and pointed out that Indians make a positive contribution to the Maldivian society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president also told the publication that&nbsp;he was pleased with the progress made on several key projects and initiatives announced during Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's recent visit to the Maldives.</p>

<h2><strong>Muizzu on a four-day visit to India</strong></h2>

<p>Muizzu is on a four-day visit to India. On Sunday, he met<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-eam-jaishankar-meets-president-muizzu-as-maldives-attempts-to-mend-bilateral-ties-765003"> Indian Foreign Minister S</a></strong> Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Muizzu's commitment to strengthening the India-Maldives relationship. He also expressed confidence that Muizzu's talks with Prime Minister Modi will give a new boost to their friendly ties.</p>

<p>Muizzu is now scheduled to meet PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other key officials.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who began his first state visit to India on Sunday (Oct 6), said that his government would never do anything that undermined the security of India.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who began his first state visit to India on Sunday (Oct 6), said that his government would never do anything that undermined the security of India. Speaking to the Times of India (TOI), President Muizzu said that India was a valued partner and friend of the Maldives, and the relationship was built on mutual respect and shared interests. Muizzu said that his country would continue to prioritise its longstanding and trusted relationship with India. 'Maldives will always come first, but...' Since coming to power, the Muizzu government has taken several steps that have been unconventional from the point of view of India-Maldives ties. The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu's party. Also read | Maldives President Muizzu: Took action against ministers who made anti-Modi remarks Last year, three ministers of his government made derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi which further strained the relationship between the two countries. The Maldives government quickly distanced itself from these comments by the ministers, and Muizzu said he took against such ministers who made these remarks about Modi. Speaking to TOI, Muizzu said on Sunday, "My policy is Maldives First. For me, the Maldives will always come first. But respect for our neighbours and friends is embedded in our DNA." "Indians have always been welcomed in the Maldives, Indians continue to prosper in the Maldives, and be safe and happy," he said and pointed out that Indians make a positive contribution to the Maldivian society. The president also told the publication that he was pleased with the progress made on several key projects and initiatives announced during Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar's recent visit to the Maldives. Muizzu on a four-day visit to India Muizzu is on a four-day visit to India. On Sunday, he met Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Muizzu's commitment to strengthening the India-Maldives relationship. He also expressed confidence that Muizzu's talks with Prime Minister Modi will give a new boost to their friendly ties. Muizzu is now scheduled to meet PM Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other key officials. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives president India visit: 'Will never do anything that undermines India's security', says Muizzu

<p>Monday (Oct 7) is the first anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. On the eve of the anniversary,&nbsp;Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group, said that its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023,&nbsp;shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A massive blast was reported outside the Karachi airport in Pakistan on Sunday (Oct 6). At least two people were killed in the blast that targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers.&nbsp;According to posts circulating on social media, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu began his four-day visit to India on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Click on the headlines to read more:</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-praises-oct-7-attack-on-israel-says-it-shattered-illusions-the-enemy-had-created-for-itself-watch-765043"><strong>Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch!</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/07/458717-new-wion-2024-10-07t093114028.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1705}">Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-two-chinese-and-others-killed-in-blast-outside-karachi-airport-bla-claims-responsibility-765034"><strong>Pakistan: Chinese convoy attacked, at least two killed in blast at Karachi airport; BLA claims responsibility</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/07/458711-new-wion-2024-10-07t084535606.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1906}">In Pakistan's Karachi, a massive blast outside the airport on Sunday (Oct 6) claimed the lives of at least two, possibly three people, injuring eight others.&nbsp;The two confirmed dead as per a PTI report citing officials were workers from China.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-in-india-will-never-do-anything-that-undermines-indias-security-says-muizzu-765031"><strong>Maldives president in India: Will never do anything that undermines India's security, says Muizzu</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/07/458709-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who began his first state visit to India on Sunday (Oct 6), said that his government would never do anything that undermined the security of India.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-one-year-of-gaza-war-israel-bombed-over-40000-hamas-targets-765036"><strong>In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/07/458712-untitled.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>It has been exactly one year since the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began on October 7. Within this period, the Israeli military&nbsp;bombed more than Hamas 40,000 targets, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | World DNA: Russia hammers Ukraine's energy and&nbsp;military infrastructures</strong></p>

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Monday (Oct 7) is the first anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. On the eve of the anniversary, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group, said that its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority.

Monday (Oct 7) is the first anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. On the eve of the anniversary, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group, said that its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority. A massive blast was reported outside the Karachi airport in Pakistan on Sunday (Oct 6). At least two people were killed in the blast that targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers. According to posts circulating on social media, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for the attack. In other news from around the world, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu began his four-day visit to India on Sunday. Click on the headlines to read more: Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch! Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Pakistan: Chinese convoy attacked, at least two killed in blast at Karachi airport; BLA claims responsibility In Pakistan's Karachi, a massive blast outside the airport on Sunday (Oct 6) claimed the lives of at least two, possibly three people, injuring eight others. The two confirmed dead as per a PTI report citing officials were workers from China. Maldives president in India: Will never do anything that undermines India's security, says Muizzu Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who began his first state visit to India on Sunday (Oct 6), said that his government would never do anything that undermined the security of India. In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets It has been exactly one year since the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began on October 7. Within this period, the Israeli military bombed more than Hamas 40,000 targets, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites. Watch | World DNA: Russia hammers Ukraine's energy and military infrastructures ×

Morning brief: Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel; blast at Karachi airport, and more