In a bid to bolster trade ties, India and Maldives convened discussions yesterday aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations.

Minister Mohamed Saeed engaged in talks with the Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, H. E. Munu Mahawar, to delve into potential avenues for collaboration in trade and economics.  

The economic ministry of Maldives took to social media to announce the meeting, indicating the government's commitment to fostering stronger economic ties with India.

Following this announcement, the Indian High Commission expressed eagerness for continued engagement with the economic ministry to further advance India-Maldives economic cooperation.

This engagement follows India's authorization of the export of significant quantities of essential goods to the Maldives throughout 2024 and 2025, as per a request from the Maldivian government.

The decision is part of a longstanding bilateral agreement between the two nations, which has been in place for over 40 years.

The 1981 India and Maldives trade agreement provides for the export of essential commodities.

Records from the Indian High Commission indicate a substantial growth in India-Maldives bilateral trade, surpassing the USD 300 million mark for the first time in 2021 and reaching over USD 500 million in 2022.

The discussions between India and Maldives signal a deepening of economic ties and highlight the commitment of both nations to further strengthen their trade relationship for mutual benefit.