Exotic Escapes: Top 5 Reasons to Holiday in the Maldives
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India.com
25 minutes ago
- India.com
Deep As Ocean: PM Modi, Muizzu Affirm Centuries-Old Maldives-India Relation Amidst Reset
New Delhi: In a powerful symbol of renewed cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the enduring bond between India and the Maldives during a state banquet in Malé on Friday, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations. During the banquet, hosted in PM Modi's honour, President Muizzu reflected on the shared history between the two nations. 'This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India, a milestone that reflects not only our shared history but also the depth and resilience of our partnership,' he said. 'Yet, the bond between our people predates diplomatic formalities. For centuries, the Indian Ocean has witnessed our exchanges as traders, travellers, and neighbours. Today, it continues to unite us with ties that no tide can break.' The banquet marked a significant moment in bilateral diplomacy, with PM Modi becoming the first state guest of President Muizzu's tenure. Modi was also present as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations, an honour he described as 'deeply meaningful.' Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said, 'Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. This relationship is not just about diplomacy; it's a bond of deep affinity.' He noted that this year also marks the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations, a symbolic and timely coincidence. Modi emphasised the historical and cultural links that continue to define the India-Maldives relationship. 'Our shared heritage is as old as the monsoon and as sweet as Addu Bondi,' he said, drawing a cultural connection. 'Several words in Dhivehi have come from Indian languages. Our tastes, though different, are remarkably similar.' Highlighting the growing people-to-people ties, Modi shared that the 1 millionth tourist to the Maldives this year was an Indian, underscoring the rising engagement between the citizens of both nations. President Muizzu praised Modi's leadership and congratulated him for becoming India's second-longest-serving Prime Minister. He also thanked the Indian government for its continued support in the Maldives' economic and development journey. 'India has been a true partner and co-passenger on every turn of the Maldives' development path,' Muizzu said, acknowledging India's support in infrastructure, capacity building, and regional security. Reaffirming the Maldives' commitment to building a dynamic, inclusive economy and ensuring regional peace, President Muizzu said India's role is pivotal in realising those aspirations. PM Modi echoed that sentiment. 'Our relationship thrives on goodwill and mutual trust,' he said. 'We are colleagues in the Global South. Today, we have reiterated our commitment to a bright future together, in trade, security, and sustainable development.' The official banquet was attended by top dignitaries from both nations, including Maldivian Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker of the People's Majlis Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Special Envoy Mohamed Waheed Hassan, and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with senior officials from both governments. This visit marks Prime Minister Modi's first trip to the Maldives since beginning his third term in office.
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Business Standard
25 minutes ago
- Business Standard
India, Maldives sign 8 key deals across finance, digital, fisheries sectors
India and the Maldives on Friday exchanged eight key agreements covering a wide range of sectors, including Line of Credit, debt repayment, fisheries, digital transformation, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. "Delighted to exchange eight Agreements related to Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, fisheries & aquaculture, digital transformation, pharmacopoeia and UPI in the presence of PM @narendramodi and President @MMuizzu today in Male," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar posted on X. Confirming the development, the President's Office of the Maldives stated, "President witnesses exchange of key MoUs and agreements between the Maldives and India." The exchange of agreements set the tone for high-level discussions that followed, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohamed Muizzu took stock of the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', with the Prime Minister reiterating India's commitment to deepening bilateral ties under its "Neighbourhood First" and Vision MAHASAGAR policies. PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Maldives, met President Muizzu at the President's Office in Male. President Muizzu appreciated India's commitment of being the First Responder for Maldives when it came to dealing with any crises. The two leaders discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action and health. They also called for further strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation and, in this regard, noted the collaboration between the two countries under the Colombo Security Conclave. The two leaders also reviewed the economic partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister underscored that the proposed Free Trade Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty would open new opportunities for both sides. Noting that the two countries must take advantage of the digital economy, especially to promote tourism, he welcomed the recent understandings on UPI adoption, acceptance of RUPAY card and trade in local currencies. The two leaders highlighted that the close development partnership between the countries was adding new value to the already strong people-to-people ties. The two leaders noted that, as Global South partners, they would continue to work on issues such as climate change, promotion of renewable energy, disaster risk reduction and weather science in the interests of the planet and its people. Prime Minister thanked President Muizzu for his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, and the solidarity extended to India in the fight against terrorism. The two leaders witnessed exchange of six MOUs in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia and concessional Line of Credit. The new Line of Credit offers Rupees 4850 crores [ approx $550 million] in support of infrastructure development and other activities in Maldives. An Amendatory Agreement for the existing LoCs was also exchanged. It reduces Maldives's annual debt repayment obligations by 40% [from $51 million to 29 million]. Both sides also exchanged Terms of Reference of the proposed Free Trade Agreement. The two leaders also virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu city and six High Impact Community Development Projects in other cities. Prime Minister handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles for Maldives National Defence Force and Immigration authorities. Prime Minister also handed over two units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cube [BHISHM] sets to the Government of Maldives. With state-of-the-art medical equipment as part of the cube, it can provide medical aid to 200 casualties with in-built support to sustain a crew of six medical personnel for up to 72 hours. In keeping with their deep commitment to conserving nature, the two leaders planted mango saplings as part of India's "Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam" [Plant for Mother] and Maldives's "Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation" campaigns. Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to support Maldives and its people, as per its requirements and priorities, and for the peace, progress and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister was received by President Muizzu and accorded a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square. The meeting was marked by warmth and a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. Prime Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation and conveyed his best wishes on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives as also on the special occasion of the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The two leaders reflected on the deep bonds of friendship and trust that have been built over centuries, strengthened by strong people-to-people ties. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
News18
an hour ago
- News18
PM Narendra Modi Maldives Visit LIVE: PM To Participate In Independence Day Event As Chief Guest Today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Maldives Today Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to participate in the Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives today as the chief guest. He is on a two-day trip to the Island nation at the invitation of President Mohamed Muizzu. The Prime Minister arrived in the Maldives immediately after his landmark visit to the United Kingdom, where India signed a Free Trade Agreement. After arriving in the island nation, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Muizzu and discussed a range of topics, including trade and defence. On his second day in the country, he will have a jam-packed schedule, starting with a meeting with Maldivian dignitaries, interaction with the Indian community, and participation in Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives.
