His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India;
Distinguished members of both delegations;
Members of the media;
Ladies and gentlemen;
Good evening to you all.
It is a great pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Modi and his delegation to the Maldives. The Prime Minister’s visit coincides with two cherished occasions. Tomorrow, His Excellency will join me in the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives.
Today, we have jointly released a commemorative stamp to mark the 60th anniversary of establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Maldives and India.
This afternoon, Prime Minister Modi and I had extensive discussions. We reflected on the successes of our shared developmental journey, and we charted a clear path for future cooperation.
Expanding our cooperation, Prime Minister Modi and I had the honour of witnessing the exchange of 4 MoUs and 3 agreements, on several key areas.
Among these include a Line of Credit Agreement of 565 million US Dollars. This LoC will be utilised for priority projects of my government across key sectors including defence, sports, healthcare, education, and housing.
I am also pleased to announce the initiation of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Maldives. This landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening our economic partnership.
We appreciate the pivotal role played by India, in supporting the Maldives to manage economic and liquidity challenges, through 400 million US Dollars currency-swap facility, and interest-free one-year rollover of the Treasury Bill in May 2025.
India’s continued assistance to the Maldives through the export of essential commodities is a key facet of our bilateral cooperation under the longstanding trade agreement.
Today, we inaugurated a key project funded under the India’s Line of Credit assistance – Addu Roads Project. Prime Minister and I reviewed the progress of ongoing Line of Credit projects and High Impact Community Development Projects. Our flagship Greater Malé Connectivity Project once completed will stand as a lasting symbol of enduring partnership between the Maldives and India.
Later today, Prime Minister and I will be inaugurating “Dhoshimeyna Building” developed with Indian grant assistance. This assistance is a testament to this partnership. I express my sincere appreciation to India for the provision of 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force.
The handover of the remaining 3,300 housing flats from the 4,000 housing units project marks a major step forward in my government’s policy in addressing housing needs across the Maldives.
I thank the Government of India for its role as the Maldives’ principal partner in the health sector. The donation of medical cubes is a critical asset for a geographically dispersed island nation like the Maldives.
India remains a key source market for Maldivian tourism. We discussed ways to expand this vital sector through enhanced cooperation and connectivity, including commencement of direct flights to further enhance this connectivity.
On environmental cooperation, we explored opportunities for technical support and capacity building in waste management, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, and water and sanitation.
The Maldives will extend its full support for India as the host of COP33. We confidently recognise India’s capability to lead global efforts towards a successful and impactful outcome.
Our people-to-people connections have long been the foundation of the relationship between the Maldives and India. Through cultural exchanges, tourism, education, and familial bonds, we continue to strengthen mutual understanding and goodwill between our nations.
Looking ahead, we are fully committed to further strengthen our cooperation with India across a broad range of sectors through exchange of high-level visits.
Prime Minister Modi, I once again thank you for your commitment to enhancing the close ties between the Maldives and India. I wish both our nations continued growth, prosperity, and harmony.
Thank you.