In a powerful reaffirmation of India’s unwavering commitment to the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that New Delhi will remain a steadfast partner in the island nation’s development and prosperity. Speaking during a joint press conference with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office, Prime Minister Modi outlined a bold and ambitious roadmap for deepening bilateral cooperation across economic, defence, and maritime domains.
Modi’s address came amid celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of Maldives’ independence and diplomatic ties between the two countries. The visit, steeped in symbolism and substance, saw the launch and inauguration of several transformative projects backed by Indian assistance.
“India has always stood with the Maldives as the first responder—be it during the pandemic or in supplying essential commodities. For us, it is always friendship first” Prime Minister Modi declared.
Central to the strengthened ties is a comprehensive vision for economic and maritime security cooperation, which was jointly developed during President Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2023. That vision, Modi affirmed, is now becoming a reality.
Highlighting major development milestones, Modi announced the near-completion of over 4,000 social housing units built with Indian support, describing them as “new beginnings and new homes” for thousands of Maldivian families. He also emphasized the strategic value of projects such as the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, Addu Road Development, and the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion, calling them catalysts that would position the Maldives as a vital regional transit and economic hub.
“Very soon, island-to-island travel will no longer be measured by GPS, but by ferry time” Modi said, referring to the upcoming island ferry system that promises to revolutionize inter-island mobility.
India has also extended a $565 million line of credit for key infrastructure projects aligned with Maldivian national priorities. To further unlock economic potential, Modi announced that discussions are underway to finalise a bilateral investment treaty and a free trade agreement, shifting the economic partnership “from paperwork to prosperity”.
The introduction of a local currency settlement system and the promotion of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the Maldives are expected to boost both tourism and the retail sector by enabling seamless digital transactions.
On defence, Modi hailed the inauguration of a new Maldivian Ministry of Defence building, constructed with Indian assistance, as a “concrete symbol of mutual trust”. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the Maldives’ defence capabilities and maintaining peace and stability across the Indian Ocean Region, including collaboration through the Colombo Security Conclave.
“Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean is our shared goal. And regardless of the weather, our friendship will always remain bright and clear” Modi declared, announcing new avenues of cooperation in weather science and renewable energy.
The Indian Prime Minister also pledged full support to the Maldives in combating climate change, offering to share India’s extensive experience in sustainable energy and environmental resilience.
Concluding his statement, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Muizzu and the Maldivian people for the warm welcome and reiterated India’s enduring commitment:
“I assure you once again—India will be with you at every step for the development and prosperity of the Maldives”
The visit and resulting announcements mark a defining moment in the Maldives–India partnership, turning shared vision into tangible progress that will shape the future of both nations and the region at large.
