President Muizzu met PM Modi, inaugurated the runway of Hanimadhoo Airport

India-Maldives News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu recently virtually inaugurated the runway of Hanimadhoo International Airport in Maldives. This program is an important step towards further strengthening the long-standing close relations between Maldives and India. Maldives President Muizzu is currently on his first state visit to India, which will run from 6 to 10 October. His wife Sajida Mohammed has also accompanied him to India.

Mohammed Muizzu's tough stance against India was a topic of discussion as soon as he took power in Maldives, but now his attitude has changed. Muizzu, who is considered close to China, is now taking steps towards improving relations with India. Earlier, he came to India in June 2024 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi.

New direction of India-Maldives relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this occasion described Maldives as a close friend and important neighbor of India. Modi said that the strong ties between the two countries, which have existed for decades, have been further strengthened under India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) approach. He also informed that several major projects are underway in Maldives with India's cooperation, including the redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo Airport and the construction of over 700 housing units.

India and Maldives also continue to have deep cooperation in the areas of defence and security. Both countries have expressed their commitment to work together to promote stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India has always played the role of a first responder for the Maldives, whether it is providing assistance during disasters or providing vaccines during the Corona epidemic.

New possibilities of economic cooperation

Many steps have also been taken to increase India's cooperation in the development of Maldives. Redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo Airport is one of its examples. PM Modi also informed that RuPay card has been launched in Maldives and soon the work of connecting both the countries with UPI will be done. Apart from this, India will also cooperate in the Greater Male Connectivity Project and the development of a new commercial port in Shilafushi.

Apart from this, India has signed a currency swap agreement of Rs 3000 crore with a treasury bench rollover of $100 million and a $400 million assistance to Maldives, which will contribute to the financial stability of Maldives.

Importance of Muizzu's visit to India

This is the first state bilateral visit of Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu to India. During this, he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu. Along with this, he will visit Mumbai and Bengaluru and participate in business programs. This visit is an important initiative towards increasing cooperation and further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Maldives.

Maldives is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and the possibilities of increasing cooperation in the field of security and development between the two countries are constantly developing. Muizzu's visit is expected to further strengthen relations between the two countries and open new possibilities in regional security and economic cooperation.