Your Excellency, President Muizzu,
Delegates of both the nation,
Our Friends from Media,.

Namaskar to all!

First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to President Muizzu and his delegation.

India and Maldives share relations that spans centuries.

And India is the Maldives' closest neighbour and a steadfast friend.

The Maldives holds a significant place in both our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the 'SAGAR' vision.

India has consistently acted as the first responder for the Maldives.

Be it essential commodities for the people of the Maldives, providing drinking water during natural disasters, delivering vaccines during the COVID pandemic, India has consistently upheld its responsibilities as a neighbour.

And today, to provide strategic direction to our mutual cooperation, we have adopted the vision of "Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership”.

Friends,

Development partnership is a key pillar of our relationship.And we always give preference to the priorities of Maldivian people in this context.

This year SBI has rolled over USD 100 million of Treasury Bills for Maldives. Today, as per the need of Maldives, a currency swap agreement of USD 400 million and INR 3000 crore (INR 30 billion) has also been concluded.

We have discussed about comprehensive cooperation for infrastructure development in the Maldives.Today, we inaugurated a runway at the Hanimadhoo International Airport.Now, the ‘Greater Male’ Connectivity Project will also be expedited. Support will also be provided in the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi.

Today, over 700 social housing units constructed with India’s assistance have been handed over.Water and sewerage projects have been completed on 28 islands of the Maldives.Work on six other islands will soon be completed.These projects will ensure supply of clean water to thirty thousand people.

Assistance will also be provided in setting up Agriculture Economic Zone in "Haa Dhaalu” and fish processing facility in "Haa Alifu”.

We will also work together in the fields of oceanography and blue economy.

Friends,

To strengthen our economic ties, we have decided to initiate discussions on a Free Trade Agreement. We will also work on trade settlements in local currencies.

We have also focused on digital connectivity.Earlier today, the RuPay card was launched in the Maldives. In future, we will work to connect India and the Maldives through UPI as well.

We have discussed opening a new Indian consulate in Addu and a new Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru.

All these initiatives will strengthen our people-to-people ties.

Friends,

We have engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of defence and security cooperation.

The Ekatha Harbor project is progressing swiftly.

We will continue our cooperation in training and capacity building of the Maldives National Defence Forces. Together, we will strive for stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.We will enhance our cooperation in hydrography and disaster response.

We also welcome Maldives joining the Colombo Security Conclave as a founding member.

Climate Change poses a big challenge for both the countries. In this regard, India is prepared to share its expertise in solar energy and energy efficiency with Maldives.

Excellency,

Once again, I welcome you and your delegation to India.

Your visit is adding a new chapter to our relationship.

We will continue to provide all possible support for the progress and prosperity of the people of Maldives.

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/SR