President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, currently on a state visit to India, extended a warm invitation for more Indian tourists to visit the Maldives, emphasizing the deep-rooted people-to-people connection between the two neighboring countries. His remarks were part of a speech delivered after a high-level meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, 2024, during his ongoing visit to India.
During his address, President Muizzu highlighted the long-standing ties between India and the Maldives, underpinned by mutual travel and cooperation. “Our people-to-people connection has long been the foundation of the relationship between India and Maldives,” said President Muizzu. He underscored the importance of Indian tourism to the Maldives, noting that India remains one of the largest source markets for visitors to the island nation. “We hope to welcome more Indian tourists to the Maldives, allowing for shared growth and understanding between our peoples,” he added.
President Muizzu further emphasized that many Maldivians frequently travel to India for a variety of purposes, including tourism, medical care, and education, contributing to the vibrant interaction between the two nations. At the same time, a significant number of Indians live and work in the Maldives, making valuable contributions to the country’s development.
President Muizzu’s visit to India, his first state visit since assuming office in November 2023, is viewed as an important step in reinforcing the Maldives’ relationship with its key regional ally. In addition to discussing tourism, President Muizzu’s meeting with Prime Minister Modi focused on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, including trade, security, and economic cooperation.
During the visit, the Maldives and India have also signed several key agreements, including a USD 400 million currency swap arrangement and four other MoUs aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as law enforcement, anti-corruption efforts, judicial training, and youth and sports development. President Muizzu and the First Lady were given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan upon their arrival, followed by a 21-gun salute and a formal inspection of the Guard of Honour.
The visit has also seen the launch of the RuPay Card in the Maldives, further boosting financial and economic ties between the two countries. Additionally, the “Huravee” ship was inaugurated during the visit, marking enhanced maritime collaboration.
President Muizzu’s invitation for more Indian tourists to visit the Maldives highlights the continued focus on fostering greater cooperation between the two nations, particularly in sectors like tourism, which are central to the Maldives’ economy.
