Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reviewed all key areas of cooperation between India and the Maldives. This happened during the prime minister’s two-day visit to the island nation.
Speaking at a special press briefing, Misri said the two leaders held both private and official talks. “This gave both leaders the opportunity to review the entire gamut of issues in the bilateral relationship,” he explained.
UPI services coming to Maldives
One of the major outcomes of the visit was the signing of a payment system agreement. India’s NPCI International Payment Limited (NIPL) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) signed a deal to bring India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to the Maldives.
Misri said, “The implementation agreement has been signed today. The technical work is now required, and people should be able to use UPI as soon as the technical work and the operationalisation of the MoU are concluded.”
Warm welcome in Male
According to Misri, President Muizzu and his cabinet received PM Modi with a grand welcome at the airport. “The Prime Minister was warmly received by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and members of his Cabinet. This was a very special gesture by the President,” Misri said. Modi also received a ceremonial guard of honour and enjoyed a traditional cultural performance.
Joint participation in tree planting
Later in the day, both leaders took part in a symbolic tree planting event under the Indian initiative, ‘EK Ped Maa Ke Naam’. The campaign encourages people to plant trees in honour of their mothers.
India and the Maldives fully understand the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. And, we are committed to doing everything possible to boost sustainability.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2025
This evening in Malé, President Muizzu and I planted saplings, strengthening ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’… pic.twitter.com/1mQKMOIIbd
Misri said, “The two leaders were together for a tree plantation event which is being carried out under the initiative taken by PM Modi in India, ‘EK Ped Maa Ke Naam’.”
Additionally, PM Modi handed over two BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes to the Maldives. These health kits are useful in medical emergencies and are designed to improve healthcare readiness.
Presented BHISHM cubes to President Muizzu, reaffirming our partnership in service of the people. Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) is a symbol of India’s commitment to timely and compassionate healthcare support. These deployable medical cubes carry… pic.twitter.com/zcld8DAu50
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2025
Free trade talks to begin soon
During the visit, both sides also decided to begin talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Misri noted that although there is no fixed timeline, the two countries aim to finish negotiations quickly. “This is an FTA that we should be able to conclude rather quickly,” he added.
India unfazed by critical comments
When asked about a deleted social media post by President Muizzu’s brother-in-law, who had reportedly criticised PM Modi, Misri said such comments will not affect the relationship.
“Our ties are strong enough to withstand some of these passing remarks that have been made and have also withstood the test of time. I would prefer to look forward,” he said. He also noted that India-Maldives relations had grown stronger in the past 9–10 months.
Modi’s visit at Muizzu’s invitation
Prime Minister Modi is visiting the Maldives for two days. President Muizzu personally invited him, and the visit marks an important step in improving ties between the two nations.