PM Modi Signs Trade and Defense Agreements During Maldives Visit

On July 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives for a two-day official visit. He was welcomed with a Guard of Honor, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu personally received him at the airport. In the capital city Malé, crowds chanted slogans of “Modi Zindabad”.

Following his arrival, PM Modi and President Muizzu held a bilateral meeting. India extended a Line of Credit worth ₹4,850 crore (approx. USD 580 million) to the Maldives and discussed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Maldives, a commemorative postal stamp was released. Six new community development projects were also launched in the Maldives.

PM Modi and President Muizzu signed eight agreements covering areas such as defense, FTA, fisheries, water agriculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia, and UPI integration. They also inaugurated the new building of the Maldives Ministry of Defense.

As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign (One Tree for Mother), PM Modi gifted a tree sapling to the Maldives. Under India's Arogya Maitri initiative, Maldives received BHISHM Medical Cubes (portable emergency medical units).

This marks PM Modi’s third visit to the Maldives, upon the invitation of President Muizzu.

India-Maldives Relations

Speaking on India-Maldives ties, PM Modi emphasized that “Friendship always comes first for India.” He stated that Maldives is India’s closest maritime neighbor and holds a vital place in India’s Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

He added, “India is proud to be the Maldives’ most reliable partner. Whether during crises or pandemics, India has always stood firmly with the Maldives — from essential supplies to post-COVID economic recovery, our cooperation has been strong and consistent.”