Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said ongoing discussions between the Maldives and India are expected to strengthen economic cooperation and deliver long-term benefits for both countries.
The minister made the remarks after concluding an official visit to India, which was undertaken at the invitation of India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.
In a social media post reflecting on the visit, Saeed described the discussions as productive, saying they were focused on advancing areas of mutual interest, including progress on the proposed Maldives-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
According to the minister, continued engagement between the two countries will help pave the way for sustainable economic growth while creating opportunities that benefit both nations.
The proposed FTA was first announced during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to India in 2024, when the two governments agreed to begin discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Although detailed outcomes of the latest talks were not disclosed, Saeed indicated that both sides reviewed the current status of the negotiations and explored ways to move the process forward.
The Maldives and India maintain close economic ties, with India remaining one of the Maldives’ largest trading partners and a key source of imports, investment and development assistance. The two countries have also been working to deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure, tourism, trade, digital services aMinister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has said ongoing discussions between the Maldives and India are expected to strengthen economic cooperation and deliver long-term benefits for both countries.
The minister made the remarks after concluding an official visit to India, which was undertaken at the invitation of India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.
In a social media post reflecting on the visit, Saeed described the discussions as productive, saying they were focused on advancing areas of mutual interest, including progress on the proposed Maldives-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
According to the minister, continued engagement between the two countries will help pave the way for sustainable economic growth while creating opportunities that benefit both nations.
The proposed FTA was first announced during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to India in 2024, when the two governments agreed to begin discussions on a comprehensive trade agreement aimed at expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Although detailed outcomes of the latest talks were not disclosed, Saeed indicated that both sides reviewed the current status of the negotiations and explored ways to move the process forward.
The Maldives and India maintain close economic ties, with India remaining one of the Maldives’ largest trading partners and a key source of imports, investment and development assistance. The two countries have also been working to deepen cooperation in areas including infrastructure, tourism, trade, digital services and capacity building.
Officials from both governments have previously stated that a future free trade agreement could improve market access, facilitate investment and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Saeed said the latest round of discussions reflects the shared commitment of the Maldives and India to further strengthening their economic partnership through continued dialogue and cooperation.nd capacity building.
Officials from both governments have previously stated that a future free trade agreement could improve market access, facilitate investment and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Saeed said the latest round of discussions reflects the shared commitment of the Maldives and India to further strengthening their economic partnership through continued dialogue and cooperation.
