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‘As deep as the sea’: What PM Modi said on India-Maldives relations after talks with Muizzu
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Maldives is India’s closest neighbour and key to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGR.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India and the Maldives are celebrating sixty years of diplomatic ties, describing the relationship as “older than history and as deep as the sea.”
Addressing a joint press meet with Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, PM Modi said, “This year, India and the Maldives are also celebrating sixty years of diplomatic relations. But the roots of our ties are older than history and as deep as the sea.”
“The commemorative postal stamp released today, featuring the traditional watercraft of both countries, reflects that we are not just neighbours but fellow travellers,” he added.
Reaffirming New Delhi’s regional commitment, the Prime Minister said, “India is the Maldives’ closest neighbour. The Maldives holds an important place in both India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its Vision MAHASAGAR. India is proud to be the Maldives’ most trusted friend.”
India to support Maldives on defence: PM Modi
PM Modi also assured India’s continued support to the Maldives in strengthening its defence capabilities.
“India will always support the Maldives to strengthen its defence capabilities,” he said after holding talks with President Muizzu.
Modi added that the growing security cooperation between the two nations reflects the depth of their trust. “Mutual cooperation in the field of defence and security is a testament to mutual trust,” the Prime Minister said.
He also announced a major financial commitment to the island nation, saying, “We have decided to provide a line of credit of USD 565 million to the Maldives.”
On trade, he said both countries have initiated discussions on a broader economic partnership. “Talks on a free trade agreement between India and Maldives have started,” he said.
To strengthen investment ties, PM Modi added, “India and Maldives will work towards finalising a bilateral investment treaty.”
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to the Maldives comes soon after his UK trip and is significant as President Muizzu came to power in 2023 with an ‘India Out’ campaign.
