President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu joined the Indian Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi for the high-level talks between the governments of the Republic of Maldives and the Republic of India during his ongoing state visit.
The high-level talks led by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respectively, took place at Hyderabad House.
Speaking at the high-level talks, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Dr Muizzu for attending the ceremony held for his swearing-in as Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi earlier in June. The Prime Minister also emphasised India’s Neighbourhood First Policy through which India prioritises its relationship with close neighbours.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s sentiments, President Dr Muizzu stated that India has always assisted the Maldives’ in times of need, and thanked India for the continued support.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated the Government’s commitment towards strengthening bilateral ties and expressed gratitude for the words of appreciation on India being Maldives’ first responder. President Dr Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s decision to grant a rollover of T-bills through the State Bank of India totalling USD 100 million in May and September this year, and for providing an extension to the special quota for export of essential commodities for Maldives by one more year.
President Dr Muizzu briefed the Prime Minister on the formulation of the 20-year National Development Plan of the Maldives, requesting India’s support to achieve the target of Maldives becoming a Developed Country by 2040. The President also highlighted the importance attached by the Administration in the provision of social housing, expanding trade, and tourism cooperation.
In response, Prime Minister Modi assured its support for the Maldives in achieving its 2040 goal of progressing to a developed country. The Prime Minister also addressed areas such as security cooperation, technological assistance, combating threats to regional security, and climate change adaptation.
Both sides discussed initiatives in the pipeline and explored new avenues for cooperation. The two leaders also discussed agriculture and fisheries, trade and investment, human resource development, health sector, women's empowerment, renewable energy, and maritime and security cooperation.