The Maldives and India on Thursday signed eight key agreements, marking a major step forward in bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

The MoUs were exchanged during official talks held at the President’s Office in Malé, in the presence of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who is currently undertaking a State Visit to the Maldives.

The agreements were signed by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and senior Maldivian ministers representing their respective portfolios.

In addition to the MoUs, several major development projects were also jointly inaugurated and handed over by both leaders.

- Initiation of official consultations on a Maldives–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

- Line of Credit Agreement worth USD 565 million and easing of repayment terms on existing credit lines

- MoU on cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture

- MoU on recognition of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) by the Maldives

- MoU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the Maldives Meteorological Services (MMS)

- MoU on digital transformation cooperation between the Ministry of Electronics and IT of India and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of Maldives

- Network-to-Network Agreement between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) on UPI in the Maldives

- Financial cooperation framework agreement

- 4,000 social housing units in Hulhumalé under India's Buyers’ Credit

-- Roads and drainage system project in Addu City

- Six High Impact Community Development Projects across the Maldives

- Handover of 72 vehicles and other equipment to the Maldives Ministry of Defence

The signing of these agreements and launch of development initiatives underscores the strong and enduring partnership between India and the Maldives, and reflects the shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.