Maldives and India have held comprehensive talks, aiming to elevate the existing levels of cooperation between the two countries. The discussions were held between President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the President of India Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
During the meeting, President Murmu described the Maldives as a key partner of India. She emphasised that the Maldives is an important member in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision. Highlighting that the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP) is the largest infrastructure project to date undertaken in the Maldives by India, she noted that the development support to the Maldives is designed to benefit the people of the Maldives. The president of India further expressed confidence that the newly agreed-upon Comprehensive Security and Maritime Partnership will bring about a renewed framework to forge closer bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed India's commitment to continue supporting the Maldives in its development endeavours.
Speaking at the meeting, President Dr. Muizzu expressed his gratitude to President Murmu for inviting him to undertake the state visit to India. The president conveyed assurances of reciprocal commitment to work together with the Government of India to further consolidate the long-standing relations between the two nations. He also highlighted India's role as a crucial development partner in various areas of significant importance to the Maldives, specifically mentioning education, infrastructure development, tourism, and healthcare. The two presidents agreed to continue the conversation held during the state visit around these areas and find ways to further elevate existing levels of cooperation in the future.
Following this, President Dr Muizzu signed the visitors' book at the official residence of the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan.