Boat Stamps, Sapling & BHISHM Cubes Take Centre Stage At PM Modi–President Muizzu Meet In Maldives

Last Updated:July 25, 2025, 21:57 IST

PM Modi and Maldivian President discussed trade, defence, and infrastructure. They released a stamp for 60 years of ties, planted saplings, and opened a Defence Ministry building.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu during the planting of a sapling under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, in Male. (X)

PM Modi in Maldives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held wide-ranging talks with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, focusing on consolidating cooperation in areas of trade, defence and infrastructure, marking a major turnaround in the ties after a spell of unease.

While addressing a joint press conference with Muizzu in Male, PM Modi declared that ties between India and Maldives will “always remain bright and clear".

After concluding the delegation-level talks, both the leaders released a stamp to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties between two nations. PM Modi noted that the ties between two nations are getting stronger with the passage of time.

“Commemorating a very cherished friendship! President Muizzu and I released a stamp to mark 60 years of India-Maldives friendship. Our ties are getting stronger with the passage of time and are benefitting the people of our nations," he said in a post on X.

Further emphasising on the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, PM Modi and President Muizzu planted saplings, promoting Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (a tree for Mother) initiative and pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation of the Maldives Government.

“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. This evening in Malé, President Muizzu and I planted saplings, strengthening ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (a tree for Mother) initiative and Pledge of 5 million Tree Plantation of the Maldives Government," PM Modi said on X.

They also inaugurated new building of the Ministry of Defence in Malé.

Additionally, reaffirming New Delhi’s partnership in service of the people, PM Modi presented Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) cubes to President Muizzu as a symbol of India’s commitment to timely and compassionate healthcare support.

“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 essential medicines and equipment for emergency care," he said.

Diplomatic Talks

PM Modi and President Muizzu reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties.

During their meeting, the leaders focused on enhancing cooperation across key sectors including trade, defence, infrastructure, and climate action.

A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of the launch of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Maldives. Both sides also agreed to speed up work on a Bilateral Investment Treaty to encourage cross-border investments.

In a move to boost trade efficiency, PM Modi announced plans for a local currency settlement system that would allow direct trade using the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

“With the local currency settlement system, we will be able to have direct trade between the Rupee and the Rufiyaa," PM Modi said.

Male, Maldives

News world Boat Stamps, Sapling & BHISHM Cubes Take Centre Stage At PM Modi–President Muizzu Meet In Maldives