President Droupadi Murmu described the Maldives as a close friend and key partner for India in the Indian Ocean Region during a meeting with visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday.
President Murmu hosted a banquet in honour of President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.
She emphasised that the Vision document adopted during the visit would enhance bilateral relations and establish a clear roadmap for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.
“I am pleased to note that India is one of the Maldives' top trading partners,” President Murmu said, highlighting the potential for collaboration in digital payments and other emerging technologies.
Both leaders agreed that strengthening the bilateral partnership would benefit their nations’ citizens.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the Maldives' importance in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR vision.
He announced that both countries had embraced a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to strategically guide mutual cooperation.
During a joint media briefing at the Hyderabad House, Modi revealed that the countries would discuss a Free Trade Agreement and explore settling trades in local currency.
Several agreements were signed during comprehensive discussions aimed at deepening ties across various sectors, including development partnership, energy, trade, financial linkages, and defence cooperation.
President Muizzu and the First Lady received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan before visiting Raj Ghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
The Maldivian President will travel to Agra on Tuesday and is also scheduled to visit Mumbai and Bengaluru for business engagements.
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