India, Maldives Deepen Ties with New Agreements and Initiatives During State Visit of Mohamed Muizzu

India and the Maldives have further strengthened their bilateral relationship during the state visit of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India, which took place from October 6 to 10, 2024. A series of agreements, announcements, and project launches highlighted the visit, aimed at enhancing economic, maritime, and security cooperation between the two nations.

Strengthening Economic and Maritime Security

During the visit, India and the Maldives adopted a vision for a "Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership." This initiative is designed to boost collaborative efforts in safeguarding the maritime region while fostering economic growth and development in both nations.

India also committed to refitting the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship Huravee at no cost to the Maldives, demonstrating continued support for strengthening the island nation's maritime capabilities.

Launches and Inaugurations

Several key projects were inaugurated during the visit:

• RuPay Card Launch: The launch of the RuPay Card in the Maldives aims to enhance digital payment systems, improving financial transactions between the two countries.
• Hanimaadhoo International Airport: The newly built runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HIA) was officially inaugurated, which is expected to boost tourism and connectivity in the region.
• Housing Initiative: India handed over 700 social housing units constructed under EXIM Bank’s Buyers’ Credit Facilities, reinforcing its commitment to infrastructure development in the Maldives.

Signing of MoUs and Agreements

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements were signed to strengthen institutional ties:

1. Currency Swap Agreement: An agreement was signed between the Maldives Monetary Authority, represented by Governor Ahmed Munawar, and India’s Department of Economic Affairs, represented by Secretary Ajay Seth, to facilitate financial stability and liquidity management.
2. MoU on Police and Law Enforcement: Rashtriya Raksha University of India signed an MoU with the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement of the Maldives to collaborate on law enforcement training and capacity building.
3. Anti-Corruption Cooperation: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Anti-Corruption Commission of the Maldives inked a deal for bilateral cooperation in combating corruption, with officials from both nations emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.
4. Judicial Training: The National Judicial Academy of India (NJAI) renewed its MoU with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of the Maldives to continue offering training and capacity-building programs for Maldivian judicial officers.
5. Sports and Youth Affairs: The MoU on cooperation in sports and youth affairs between India and the Maldives was also renewed, focusing on enhancing youth engagement and sporting initiatives.

Building a Stronger Partnership

The series of announcements and agreements made during President Muizzu's visit to India reflects a deepening of strategic and economic ties between the two nations. The focus on maritime security, digital payments, and institutional collaborations is expected to pave the way for a more integrated and resilient partnership in the region.