Maldives’ leader back home after state visit to India

Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu returned to Male’ on Thursday afternoon, after concluding on a five-day state visit to neighboring India.

President Muizzu, who left for India with a 50-member delegation on Sunday, welcomed upon return by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla, and other top state officials.

President Muizzu had embarked on the state visit to India at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu.

During the trip, he had meetings with President Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top Indian government officials. According to the President’s Office, the discussions centered on strengthening the friendship and development partnership between Maldives and India.

A significant outcome of the visit was the adoption of "A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership," which will guide the bilateral relationship across various sectors.

During the talks with PM Modi, both leaders discussed ongoing initiatives and explored new avenues for cooperation. The discussions covered areas such as social housing, infrastructure development, agriculture and fisheries, trade and investment, human resource development, healthcare, women empowerment, renewable energy, and maritime and security cooperation.

During the visit, President Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s financial assistance, including the rollover of two USD 50 million T-bills and an USD 400 million and INR 30 billion currency swap agreement signed on Monday.

President Muizzu travelled to New Delhi, Agra, Mumbai and Bangalore. In his remarks at the business forums held in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore he highlighted the Maldives' significant potential for tourism ventures and outlined opportunities for future collaboration. He emphasized Maldives’ vision for economic diversification and sustainable growth, mentioning key investment prospects such as special economic zones, luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, and integrated tourism projects.

In Mumbai, President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed attended a Maldives-India Tourism Networking Evening, which served as a platform for industry experts from both countries to explore mutually beneficial tourism investment opportunities.

The visit also included cultural exchanges, with the President and First Lady touring the historic Taj Mahal in Agra.

They also met with Maldivian communities in New Delhi and Bangalore, listening to their concerns and reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting citizens abroad.

During the visit, First Lady Sajidha visited the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and her alma mater, St. Joseph's University in Bangalore.

As the two nations approach the 60th anniversary of establishing formal diplomatic relations next year, President Muizzu invited PM Modi, as well as President Murmu to undertake a state visit to the Maldives.

The state visit concluded positively, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their long-standing relationship and working towards mutual growth and prosperity.