Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on Prime Minister's State Visit to Maldives (July 25, 2025)
India - Ministry of External Affairs
July 25, 2025
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you to this Special Press Briefing by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri on Prime Minister's State Visit to the Maldives. We also have with us our High Commissioner to Maldives, Shri G. Balasubramanian. As also, we are joined by Shri Puneet Agrawal, who is the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs looking after IOR region. With that, I invite Foreign Secretary, Sir, to make his opening remarks on the developments of the day.
Sir, over to you.
Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Thank you, Randhir. Good evening. Thank you all for joining this briefing.
As you would be aware, the Prime Minister is on a two-day state visit to the Maldives. You are all familiar with the fact that this is his third visit to the Maldives. He also happens to be the first head of government to be visiting the Maldives during the administration of President Muizzu.
Earlier this morning, on arrival at the airport, the Prime Minister was warmly received by President Dr. Muizzu and members of his cabinet at the airport. This was a very special gesture by the President. The Prime Minister was also corded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour and welcomed with a special cultural performance.
In the afternoon today, the Prime Minister and President Dr. Muizzu held restricted and delegation-level talks. This gave both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of issues in the bilateral relationship. They renewed various aspects of India-Maldives relations and in particular reflected on the progress made since October 2024, when President Dr. Muizzu had visited India on a state visit and when both countries had adopted the Joint Vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
You would already be familiar with; you would have seen the ceremony for exchange of memoranda of understanding and agreements between the two sides. Let me just review the key agreements and MOUs that have been signed. We have signed an MOU related to the extension of a fresh line of credit of Rs 4,850 crore to the Maldives. This is the first LOC extended to the Maldives that is denominated in Indian rupees. The LOC represents a continuation of the tradition of assistance to the development needs of the Maldives and we expect that several infrastructure projects will be carried out as a result of this LOC agreement benefiting the lives of citizens here in the Maldives.
Together with this, the two sides also signed an amendatory agreement that amended the existing dollar line of credit between India and the Maldives. I would like to in particular point to the fact that with the signature of this amendatory agreement, the annual debt repayment obligations of the Maldives will reduce by a sharp 40% from nearly US$51 million annually to about US$29 million.
The other understandings signed today include an MOU on cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture, an MOU between the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology of the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Maldives Meteorological Services in the Ministry of Tourism and Environment; an MOU on cooperation in the field of sharing successful digital solutions that have been implemented at population scale for digital transformation between the Ministry of Electronics and IT of India and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology of the Maldives.
There was also an MOU on the recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia in the Maldives, which will reinforce the availability and sourcing of high-quality medicines in the Maldives; and a network-to-network agreement between India's NPCI, the National Payments Corporation of India International Limited, and the Maldives Monetary Authority. This is intended to take forward the work on implementing the Unified Payments Interface that will greatly benefit tourism between the two countries.
In addition to that, there were a number of announcements and events that took place during the course of the day. The two countries have agreed to launch negotiations on an India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides issued commemorative stamps.
The Prime Minister also handed over 3,300 social housing units in Hulhumale that were built under the Indian Buyer's Credit Scheme. The two leaders also together inaugurated the Roads and Drainage System Project in Addu City, six high-impact community development projects. And just now, a short while ago, the Ministry of Defence building in Malé. The Prime Minister also handed over 72 vehicles and other equipment that will be used by the MNDF for various purposes.
The two leaders were together for a tree plantation event, which is being carried out under the initiative taken by Prime Minister Modi in India, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Plant for Mother. In the same place, the Prime Minister also handed over two BHISHM Health Cubes that will be of great relevance in medical emergencies, especially in remote parts of the country.
Tomorrow, as you would be aware, the Prime Minister will be the Guest of Honour at the Independence Day celebrations at Republic Square. He will also be meeting with a few political leaders of the country, interact with the Indian diaspora residing in the Maldives, including also ITEC alumni from the Maldives.
This very, very timely and productive visit has provided an opportunity to both countries and both leaders to review our very close cooperation and to continue to build further on it. The two sides, as I said in the beginning, reviewed the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and as a result of the discussions today, arrived at the conclusion that we should continue to implement various elements of this vision, and explore newer avenues to collaborate further between the two sides.
Let me stop there. If there are any questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Ayushi Agarwal, ANI: Sir, good evening. This is Ayushi Agarwal from ANI. Sir, did China feature in the talks when it comes to the security in the Indian Ocean, and also any discussion on Pahalgam attack or on Operation Sindhoor?
Sidhant Sibal, WION: Hi sir, Sidhant from WION. How much will you see this visit as a turnaround in the relationship? Your last year, the relationship was not doing so well but looking at the comments from both the leaders today, it looks like that it is firmly on a very positive trajectory.
Meera Srinivasan, The Hindu: Thank you. It's Meera Srinivasan from The Hindu. Secretary, you mentioned that there's a 40% reduction in the annual debt repayment obligation consequent to today's agreement. So, could you tell us which period of debt this pertains to? Debt taken from when to when, and if possible, what is the total amount of debt that this pertains to? And the second question is, is this in response to a request from Maldivian side for possible debt cancellation or a moratorium? Thank you.
Siddhant, CNN-News18: Hi, Foreign Secretary. I'm Siddhant from CNN-News18. Foreign Secretary, if you can throw some light on the medical evacuations that India have been doing in Maldives. Has there been a request made by the Maldivian side to enhance more medical evacuations? And if you can also throw some light on the medical tourism from Maldives to India? Thank you.
Deepak Ranjan, PTI: Deepak Ranjan from PTI. Prime Minister has said that we are in talks about a Free Trade Agreement, any timeline in which it would be completed or concluded?
Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Okay. Ayushi to your question, I would say that you may have heard the His Excellency, the President also refer to this in his remarks at the top of the delegation level talks with the Prime Minister. And of course, we proceed on the assumption that security is an issue of mutual interest. The President expressed his commitment to the importance that Maldives attaches to security related issues and the commitment for the two sides to continue to work together. I think the fact that there is quite a high frequency of contacts between security authorities of the two countries, and the engagement at various levels, whether it is direct professional level exchanges between the security forces or the training activity that is carried out, or the exercises that are carried out between various security forces. There is very close coordination on all of these issues. This remains an important issue. And we continue to work very closely together with Maldives on any issues that might impinge on not just our security, but our common security in this region that we share.
On Pahalgam as well. Again, the President reiterated the Maldives condemnation of the attack and reiterated the solidarity and support of the people of the Maldives with India following this attack.
Sidhant, your question on the turnaround in the relationship. I wouldn't say that the impression is that these are overnight things or sudden developments. We have ... this is a very close relationship. It has a basis and a foundation that goes back a long way. There may be instances or events or things that may happen from time to time, but there is a fundamental understanding between the two sides and the two countries on the importance and the significance of this relationship.
As I have had occasion to say earlier as well. Both sides have applied themselves to the relationship to addressing issues in the relationship. And both sides have paid attention including at the very highest levels to addressing concerns that might be there. And I think you see the result of that effort that has been made at both ends. And the fact that you have within the space of about 10 months reciprocal visits at the highest levels possible ... just testifies to and signifies once again the strength of this relationship.
On Meera's question about the reduction of the debt obligations, you might be aware that we had a line of credit of about $800 million that had been extended to the Maldives sometime ago. There were a number of projects that had been executed under that, and there was a certain amount from the LOC had been utilized and drawn down. But for various reasons Maldives was not able to finalize projects and move forward on utilizing the balance funds that were available under that LOC. But given the way the LOCs work and the terms and conditions of the LOCs, the repayment obligations had kicked in, and it was therefore also taken into account the overall financial situation of the Maldives, both sides came to the conclusion that perhaps a rationalization of the LOC was necessary.
In the normal course, this would have been more tricky and complicated, but given the special circumstances obtaining we've come to an agreement which has been reflected in the amendatory agreement that has been signed today that reduces the obligations of the Maldives towards debt repayment by closing out this particular LOC. But since the development needs of Maldives remain, there are other projects that they need to do. It has been replaced by the line of credit agreement which we have signed today, denominated in Indian rupees. And this is expected to be more attuned to, I would say, the current financial circumstances of the Maldives, besides also contributing to a manner of implementation that would benefit both sides more. This is something that was done cooperatively between the two sides.
Sidhant's question on medical evacuation. I think the assets are available here in the Maldives, and whenever there is a requirement that is projected or a request that is made the evacuations are carried out as per that procedure. On medical tourism, as you are aware, India continues to be a very popular destination for medical services and medical attention from people in the Maldives and some of the agreements that have on which work has begun, for instance, on UPI. So, it's not just for, you know, the normal tourism, but for any other kind of service that Maldives citizens might want to avail from India, which includes medical tourism as well.
On the FTA talks, I can't point to an exact timeline, but my understanding from discussions with my commerce ministry colleagues is that this is an FTA that should be - that we should be able to conclude rather quickly. Today's agreement reflects an understanding that essentially it reflects the agreement on the terms of reference, which usually is something that takes more time. But these have been agreed and now it remains for offers to be exchanged and discussed. And that is the next stage that will take place. My expectation is that it'll get done fairly quickly.
Shyama, Doordarshan News: Hi, sir. Shyama from Doordarshan News. Sir, this NPCI agreement with the MMA. How soon do you think an Indian tourist would be able to transact in UPI over the RuPay card?
Umashankar, Independent Journalist: Independent journalist. My question is that, is there any update on hydrographic agreement as it was not renewed by Maldives; and also if this came up during the discussions between both the leaders?
Arosha, Maldives Republic: Thank you. I'm Arosha from Maldives Republic. Secretary, I would like to ask from you, are you aware of now deleted social media post by Abdullah bin Mohammed Ibrahim? He is President Muizzu's brother-in-law. He made a critical remarks about Prime Minister Modi. If so, could you share how Indian government view such incident, particularly in the context of effort to strength the India-Maldives relationship? Thank you.
Nazahath, Raajje TV: Thank you. Nazahath Raajje TV here. There were certain remarks made by the President himself and some of the state ministers that were rather derogatory towards Indians and the Prime Minister Modi. It wasn't very well received by the Indian citizens understandably so. Now as some of the journalists did mention, this is described as a turning point, this visit especially, does the Indian government expect Maldivian government to apologize since it's the sentiments were hurt definitely?
Unidentified Speaker, Adhadhu: Thank you. I'm from Adhadu. Foreign Secretary has mentioned before about the Indian platforms here doing the medical evacuations. As far as I know some of the agreements that were met before has come to an end in the February of this year. So, has there been any extension to those agreements or any request from the Maldivian side extension of that three platforms that is right now?
Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Okay. I think on the NPCI, the implementation agreement has been signed today. The technical work is now required, and it should proceed apace, and we feel that the people should be able to use UPI as soon as the technical work and the operationalization of the MOU is concluded. This was important to have this agreement on operationalization. The technical people will now get together to take it forward.
On RuPay, I think RuPay is already operational. So, in fact, if you recall, when President Muizzu was in India they witnessed the first live sort of transaction of the RuPay using the RuPay card take place here in the Maldives.
On hydrography, we have been in close touch with our colleagues in Maldives. And we are working on capacity building in the Maldives. We are working on training here in the Maldives to enable Maldives personnel to develop their capacities in this area. This is not something that is necessarily restricted or dictated by specific agreements or discussions. It's something on which both sides continue to talk. And as I said, the emphasis is increasingly on building capacity here in the Maldives.
We had two questions here by our colleagues from Maldives. I think the subject matter of both was very similar. In so far as the social media post you referred to, I am not aware of the post, I have not seen the post. But the other question that related to the some of the remarks that were made earlier, I would only like to say, and I think this visit as well as the visit that Dr. Muizzu had paid to India in October last year, demonstrate the very strong relationship, a very close relationship between the two sides and I would also say that our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these passing, in this case remarks that have been made and have also withstood the test of time. So, I would rather than look back, prefer to look forward and look into the future and going by everything that has happened today and especially in the last 9 or 10 months since President Muizzu visited India, that future is undoubtedly and unquestionably bright.
On MEDEVAC platforms, they are here, and I think as I said the assets remain here, their term has been extended here and they continue to be used as per the request of the Maldivian authorities.
Mr. Brijmohan Singh Raghuvanshi, Sadhna Samuh: Sir namaskar, main Brijmohan Singh Raghuwanshi Sadhna Samuh se hu, sir. Jaisa ki humare ek sahyogi ne ek sawal isme mai add karunga isme ki, pichle kuch samay purv jo hai Maldives ki sarkar ne kuch tippani ki thi. Aur us tippani ke baad se aaj hamare liye bada gauranvit wala ye din hai. Hamare aadarniya Pradhan Mantri ko yahan pe is roop mein dekha ja raha hai. Nishchit roop se ye videsh niti aur Pradhan Mantri ji ki lokpriyata ka ye sabse bada natija hai. Lekin main ek cheez zarur puchna chahunga ki Saudi Arab ke baad maine dekha ki ye dusra Islamic desh hai jahan pe hamare Pradhan Mantri ka jo samman ho raha hai, jo hamara trade hone ja raha hai, wo bahut mazboot ho raha hai. Toh vipaksh is baat ka arop lagata hai ki varg vishesh ke liye khaas tor se Pradhan Mantri karte hain, aisa vipaksh arop lagata hai. Aur toh main ye janna chahta hu kya Islamic deshon ko khaas tor se focus kiya ja raha hai aane wale samay pe antarrashtriya patal pe Pradhan Mantri ji ki lokpriyata ko badhane ke liye, aur khaas tor se vishv star pe bhi kya ye mana jaye ki Islamic deshon se ab humara jo rishta hai wo aur mazboot hoga.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: Sir, Namaskar. I am Brijmohan Singh Raghuwanshi from the Sadhna Group. As one of our colleagues raised a question, I would like to add to it: Some time ago, the government of Maldives made certain remarks, and following those remarks, today is a matter of great pride for us. Our respected Prime Minister is being seen in this manner here. This is undoubtedly the result of our foreign policy and the Prime Minister's growing popularity. However, I would definitely like to ask one thing — after Saudi Arabia, this is the second Islamic country where I have seen such great respect being given to our Prime Minister, and our trade relations are becoming much stronger. Now, the opposition often alleges that the Prime Minister favors a particular community. That's what the opposition claims. So, I would like to know whether Islamic countries are being especially focused on, with the aim of enhancing the Prime Minister's popularity in the international stage in coming times. And more importantly, can we now say that our relations with Islamic countries are set to become even stronger at the global level?
Jeevan Bhawasar, Aakashwani: Namaskar sir, Jeevan Bhawasar here from Akashwani. Sir, dono deshon mein tourism ko badawa dene ke liye bhi aaj bahut baatcheet hui hai. Toh ye tourism badawa dene ke liye aage kya kya ho sakta hai?
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: Namaskar Sir, this is Jeevan Bhawasar from Akashvani. Sir, there have been extensive discussions today on promoting tourism between the two countries. What are the possible steps that could be taken going forward to boost tourism?
Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary: Toh dekhiye, Brijmohan ji, aapka sawal main apne aap ko, jo ek isko main ek rajnayik samikaran mein hi dekhunga, aur sirf itna hi kehna chahunga ki, jo hamari rajnayik ranneeti hai, aur jis tarah se hum dusre deshon ke saath rishte banane pe sochte hain ya kaam karte hain, us uski jo ek jo usme jo kaam kiya ja raha hai, usme jo kaam hota hai, usme jis tarah ki cheezein jinke bare mein aap baat kar rahe the, unka usme asar nahi padta. Hum ye dekhte hain ki hamare core interests kya hain? Kis desh ke saath kin cheezon pe baat karni hai, jo hamare international interests hain, hame kya defend karna hai aur hame kya dusre deshon se chahiye, ye us pe nirbhar rehta hai. Toh kisi desh ki dharmik pravritti kya hai, mujhe nahi lagta ki ye usme ek bada factor banta hai. Pradhan Mantri ji aur unke netritva mein jo desh ki ek rajnayik ranneeti taiyar ki gayi hai, ye isi cheez pe nirbhar hai.
Aur aapne jo sawal pucha, paryatan ko badhawa dene ke liye, toh jaisa maine pehle bhi kaha hai aur aaj bhi in cheezon pe baatcheet hui hai. UPI pe maan lijiye jaise is pe agar ek samjhauta aage aane wale samay mein hota hai, toh ye kaafi sahuliyat pradan karega Bharatiya nagrikon aur Maldives ke nagrikon ko, payments mein sahuliyat hai usme karne ke liye. Uske liye wo banking channels mein kaafi kabhi kabhi kathinaiyan mushkile aati hain, unse ek tarah se chhutkara milega aur ek sahuliyat isse pradan hogi, isse paryatan ko kaafi badhawa mil sakta hai.
[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]: So, Brijmohan ji, I will view your question strictly from a diplomatic perspective, and I would only like to say this — when it comes to our diplomatic strategy and the way we think about or work on building relations with other countries, the kind of factors you were referring to do not influence our approach. We look at what our core interests are — what issues we need to discuss with a particular country, what our international priorities are, what we need to defend, and what we seek from other countries. It is based on these considerations. The religious orientation of a country, I don't believe, plays a major role in that. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the foreign policy framework that has been developed is guided by these principles.
And as for your question about promoting tourism, as I mentioned earlier, and as has been discussed today as well — for instance, if there is an agreement on UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in the near future, it will provide significant ease for both Indian and Maldivian citizens in terms of digital payments. Right now, banking channels sometimes face challenges and difficulties — this system would help bypass those and offer convenience. That, in turn, can significantly promote tourism.
Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you sir. With that, ladies and gentlemen, we come to the close of this press briefing. We'll keep you updated with developments of tomorrow. And thank you very much for coming for this press briefing. Thank you.
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July 25, 2025
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