India will be a very crucial partner for Maldives going forward: Muizzu

Muizzu was quoted as saying by ANI: "We all see how India has helped the Maldives in the past, and nobody will doubt how India will be a very crucial partner going forward."

When asked about agreements with India related to the Line of Credit, debt repayment, FTA, and UPI, Muizzu said that it will help the locals as well as tourists.

"Definitely it will greatly help the Maldives going forward. So we are really looking forward to implementing the agreements and the MoUs we have signed. I think both our countries, people are looking forward because it will definitely benefit the tourists who come here and for the Maldivians who go to India. We are very hopeful, very hopeful. I think we just started on it and definitely help locals and tourists from India who come here. We hope to conclude it very soon," he said.

He made the remarks amid the recent visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi to the country.

Narendra Modi on Thursday met with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office in Male to hold bilateral talks and deepen cooperation between the two countries.

Ahead of the meeting, the Prime Minister was received by President Muizzu and accorded a ceremonial welcome at Republic Square.

The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation and conveyed his best wishes on the historic occasion of the 60th anniversary of the independence of Maldives as also on the special occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The two leaders reflected on the deep bonds of friendship and trust that have been built over centuries, strengthened by strong people-to-people ties.

Both leaders also took stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a ‘Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership’, adopted during the State Visit of the President of Maldives to India in October 2024.

Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to further deepen ties with Maldives in keeping with its "Neighbourhood First’ and Vision MAHASAGAR policies. President Muizzu appreciated India’s commitment to being the First Responder for the Maldives when it came to dealing with any crises.