Maldives President Muizzu thanks India’s ‘generosity’ after meeting PM Modi: Latest updates

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has always played the role of a first responder for the Maldives.

Maldives President Muizzu is on a five-day India visit and was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier today. PM Modi and Muizzu also virtually inaugurated a new runway at Hanimadhoo Airport in the Maldives.

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After talks between PM Modi and President Muizzu, India introduced the Rupay card in the Maldives, PTI reported.

PM said, “A few days back, RuPay card was launched in Maldives. In the time to come, India and Maldives will be connected through UPI.”

‘Maldives-India relations’

PM Modi said, “First of all, I extend a hearty welcome to President Muizzu and his delegation. India and Maldives relations are centuries old. India is Maldives' nearest neighbour and close friend. 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.”

He noted, “Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction.”

Economic Cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the development partnership is an important pillar of our (India-Maldives) relations. “We have always given preference to the priorities of the people of Maldives. This year, SBI did a rollover of 100 million dollars of the Treasury Bench of Maldives. As per the needs of Maldives, a 400 million dollars and ₹3000 Crores currency swap agreement was also signed,” said PM Modi.

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PM Modi further mentioned that India and the Maldives discussed opening an Indian consulate in Addu and a Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said,"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."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that climate change is a huge challenge for both of our countries. “In this regard, India is ready to share its experiences with Maldives regarding solar and energy efficiency,” he added.

Security cooperation

PM Modi noted, “We also held a detailed discussion on different aspects of security cooperation. Work is being done rapidly in the Ekatha Harbour project. We will continue our cooperation towards training and capacity building of Maldives National Defence Forces. For stability and prosperity in Indian Ocean Region, we will work together.”

‘Thank India for…’, says Maldives Prez Muizzu

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu thanked India and said, “Thank India for the generous assistance extended, including rollover of Treasury Bills and signing of the currency swap agreement.”

He noted that 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. 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 the foreign exchange issues we are facing right now,” he said.

Muizzu noted, “We (India-Maldives) agreed on a comprehensive vision document, charting the course of our bilateral relationship. A vision for comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership which encompasses development cooperation, trade and economic partnerships, digital and financial initiatives, energy projects, health cooperation as well as maritime and security cooperation.”

Muizzu said that India and Maldives will remain engaged to bolster stability of Maldives economy.

On Sunday, Muizzu upon his arrival was welcomed by Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kiriti Vardhan Singh. Muizzu is visiting India on an official invitation by President Droupadi Murmu.

"Jaishankar expressed his pleasure in welcoming the President to India, for the state visit. President Dr Muizzu conveyed his gratitude to the Indian government for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation upon arrival," according to the press release from the President's Office of Maldives.

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At the meeting, Jaishankar and Muizzu spoke extensively on fostering and maintaining good ties between the two countries, Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a release.

The two sides assessed the progress of ongoing initiatives backed by the Government of India and explored additional opportunities for mutual benefit that align with the current development priorities of the Maldives.

During his visit, Maldivian President Muizzu, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, also engaged with the Maldivian community living in New Delhi.

(With inputs from ANI)