Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated India’s unshakeable commitment to the Maldives, referring to it as India’s “closest neighbour” and pointing to the depth of bilateral ties in a joint press conference with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
In marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, PM Modi declared the bond between India and the Maldives is “older than history and as deep as the sea.
Today, India and the Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. But the genesis of our relations is older than history and as deep as the ocean. The commemorative postage stamps issued today show traditional boats of the two countries. This shows that we are not only neighbors but also co-travelers,” PM Modi said.
He reiterated that the core of this relationship has always been mutual respect, further saying, “For us, it is always friendship first.”
#WATCH | Malé, Maldives: PM Narendra Modi says, “In the sector of defence and security, mutual cooperation is the symbol of mutual trust. The building of Defence Ministry, which is being inaugurated today, is a trusted, concrete building. It is a symbol of our strong partnership.… pic.twitter.com/KObVWxFAF0
— ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2025
Major Announcements: Credit Line, Trade & Defence Support
PM Modi made a major announcement by declaring a $565 million line of credit to the Maldives to enhance infrastructure and development projects.
He also announced that negotiations have commenced for a Bilateral Investment Treaty and a Free Trade Agreement to accelerate economic cooperation.
“To accelerate our economic partnership, we have done many things. To accelerate our common investment, we will start work soon towards the conclusion of the Bilateral Investment Treaty. Negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement also started. Now, our motto is ‘from paperwork to prosperity,” PM Modi stated.
India and the Maldives also agreed on the implementation of a local currency settlement system, enabling direct Indian Rupee and Maldivian Rufiyaa trade, projected to simplify trade and strengthen industries such as tourism and retail.
Modi further stated that the growth of India’s UPI system in the Maldives will propel local businesses.
Defence and Symbolic Gesture
Deepening security cooperation, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s ongoing assistance to the Maldives’ defence capacity building.
Earlier on the day, the Indian Prime Minister was honored by the Maldives National Defence Force with the traditional Haiykolhu, a symbol of respect and Maldivian hospitality.
