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Sunday 27 Jul 2025
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
President Dr Mohamed Muizz (R) and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) observe the festivities on Maldives 60th Independence Day, ayt the Republic Square, Male on July 26, 2025. (Sun Photo)
Following vibrant Independence Day celebrations at Republic Square in Malé City, President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu addressed Indian journalists on Saturday, highlighting the deepening ties between the two nations.
The interview, conducted by Indian journalists, focused on economic cooperation, tourism, and bilateral relations.
The President expressed enthusiasm for India’s 585 million US dollars line of credit to the Maldives, stating, “It will greatly help the Maldives in going forward.” He emphasized the proactive implementation of agreements, including discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expected to strengthen economic ties.
A key highlight of the interview was the upcoming Unified Payments Interface (UPI) arrangement between India and the Maldives. The President noted, “It will definitely benefit the tourists who come here and for the Maldivians who go to India.” This initiative is set to boost tourism, with India already a major contributor to the Maldives’ tourism sector.
The recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister is expected to further enhance people-to-people exchanges, with the President predicting a surge in tourism.
Reflecting on the Indian Prime Minister’s leadership, the President described him as “a wonderful person” dedicated to fostering relationships with India’s neighbors. “Maldives and India have a very good relationship that goes back centuries,” he said, expressing confidence that cooperation between the two governments will lead to a “more prosperous” future.
The President also hinted at a potential visit to India soon, underscoring India’s critical role in the Maldives’ development. “Nobody will doubt how India will be a very crucial partner in going forward,” he affirmed.
As Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations, featuring vibrant parade floats and military parades on both Male and Hulhumale city, set a festive tone, the interview signals a promising chapter in India-Maldives relations, with both nations eager to deepen economic and cultural connections.
