President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed have returned to the Maldives, concluding a significant five-day state visit to India. The visit, which took place from October 6 to 10, 2024, marked President Muizzu’s first official state visit since assuming office in November 2023. The trip was made at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu and underscored the strengthening relationship between the Maldives and India.
The state visit was highlighted by high-level discussions between President Muizzu and key Indian leaders, including President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials. The talks primarily focused on deepening the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations across various sectors, including economic, security, and development partnerships.
One of the notable outcomes of the visit was the adoption of the “Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,” a framework that will guide the bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India in the coming years. Several agreements were also exchanged, and virtual inaugurations were conducted as part of this partnership.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, President Muizzu expressed his gratitude for India’s continued financial support to the Maldives, particularly highlighting the rollover of T-bills in May and September, extended for an additional year with no interest. He also thanked India for additional financial support, including INR 30 billion under the bilateral currency swap agreement, further solidifying India’s role in assisting the Maldives during challenging times.
In addition to the political talks, the visit also focused on economic collaboration. President Muizzu participated in business forums held in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where he emphasized the Maldives’ potential for tourism investment. He spoke about opportunities for collaboration in areas like luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, integrated tourism projects, and special economic zones. The Maldives-India Tourism Networking Evening held in Mumbai provided a platform for industry leaders from both countries to explore mutually beneficial tourism ventures.
The President also made visits to several key Indian cities, including Mumbai, Bangalore, and Agra. The cultural leg of the trip included a tour of the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, where the President and First Lady took part in a cultural exchange, further highlighting the deep ties between the two nations.
While in Bangalore, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited her alma mater, St. Joseph’s University, and toured the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), marking significant moments of personal and professional connection during the trip.
In addition to government and business meetings, President Muizzu also took time to engage with the Maldivian diaspora in New Delhi and Bangalore. He reassured citizens of the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Maldivians living abroad and listened to their concerns regarding issues related to expatriate life.
As the Maldives and India prepare to celebrate 60 years of formal diplomatic relations in 2025, President Muizzu extended invitations to Prime Minister Modi and President Murmu for a state visit to the Maldives, reaffirming the strong bonds between the two nations.
This successful state visit has paved the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including trade, tourism, infrastructure, and security, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to working towards mutual growth and prosperity.
