President Muizzu lauds India's commitment of being first responder for Maldives in any crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday took stock of the progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Joint Vision for a 'Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' with the Prime Minister reiterating India's commitment to further deepen bilateral ties in keeping with its "Neighbourhood First' and Vision MAHASAGAR policies. PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Maldives, met President Muizzu at the President's Office in Male. President Muizzu appreciated India's commitment of being the First Responder for Maldives when it came to dealing with any crises. The two leaders discussed cooperation in the fields of development partnership, infrastructure support, capacity building, climate action and health. They also called for further strengthening defence and maritime security cooperation and, in this regard, noted the collaboration between the two countries under the Colombo Security Conclave.

The two leaders also reviewed the economic partnership between the two countries. Prime Minister underscored that the proposed Free Trade Agreement and the Bilateral Investment Treaty would open new opportunities for both sides. Noting that the two countries must take advantage of the digital economy, especially to promote tourism, he welcomed the recent understandings on UPI adoption, acceptance of RUPAY card and trade in local currencies. The two leaders highlighted that the close development partnership between the countries was adding new value to the already strong people-to-people ties.