June 10, 2019
The event, PM Modi’s first overseas visit after taking oath of office for a second term on May 30, reflected the special relationship between the two countries
Ties have been strengthened by visits such as President Solih’s visit to India in December 2018, as well as PM Modi’s visit to the Maldives in November 2018
In March 2019, India and the Maldives had entered a US$800 million credit deal that will assist the island nation achieve sustainable economic development
Engagements have helped raise bilateral investment opportunities, while annual bilateral trade had steadily risen to cross US$240 million during fiscal 2018-19
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a state visit to the Maldives over June 8-9, at the invitation of the President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The event, PM Modi’s first overseas visit after taking the oath of office for a second term on May 30, reflected the special relationship between the two countries. On the trip, President Solih and PM Modi held one-on-one talks followed by delegation-level discussions. PM Modi also addressed the newly constituted People’s Majlis (Parliament of Maldives), where he spoke of his vision for sustainable peace and progress in the Indian Ocean region. PM Modi is only the second foreign head of state or Government to address the People’s Majlis in its 86 year history.
The relationship has been strengthened by high-profile visits such as President Solih’s state visit to India in December 2018, as well as PM Modi’s visit to the Maldives in November 2018. Ties between India and the Maldives have long been nurtured by geographical contiguity, ethnic, historical, socio-economic and cultural ties. During PM Modi’s visit, President Solih reaffirmed his Government’s “India-First Policy” and pledged his full support towards deepening the multifaceted, mutually beneficial partnership between India and the Maldives. PM Modi too stressed the high importance that India attaches to its relationship with the Maldives and reiterated his determination to work together with the Maldives.
Recalling his Government’s policy of “Neighbourhood First”, the PM Modi assured India’s full support to the Maldives in realizing its aspirations for broad-based socio-economic development and strengthening of democratic and independent institutions. As part of this effort, two sides signed several agreements that included – Cooperation in the fields of hydrography and health; Passenger and cargo services by sea; Cooperation in capacity building in customs and civil services; Technical agreement in sharing of white shipping information between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force. The new deals are expected to usher in a new era of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
President Solih also thanked the Government of India for the financial support extended to Government of Maldives, in the form of budgetary support, T-bills, currency swap, and lines of credit. President Solih appreciated the prompt disbursement of the budgetary cash grant and subscription to Government of Maldives’ treasury bills. In March 2019, India and the Maldives had entered a US$800 million credit deal that will assist the island nation to achieve sustainable social and economic development. Such cooperation has helped raise bilateral investment opportunities, while annual bilateral trade had steadily risen to cross US$240 million in 2018-19. Strengthening of ties will further empower opportunities.