Maldives

Maldives Speaker accompanied by delegation to visit India from Feb 10-14

India on Friday said the Speaker of People's Republic of Maldives accompanied by a parliamentary delegation will visit the country from February 10-14 next year. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita informed the Lok Sabha in a written response to a query. He was asked whether a number of parliamentary exchanges have been conducted by the government recently in alignment with the emphasis on the 'Neighbourhood First' Policy adopted in the recent years. The query also sought details of all parliamentary exchanges held in the recent years with special reference to the People's Majlis of Maldives. "In keeping with the objectives of the 'Neighbourhood First' Policy for enhancing people to people relations, regular parliamentary exchanges with our neighbouring countries have been taking place over the years," he said. In his response, he also shared details of the recent parliamentary exchanges with the neighbouring countries including with the Maldives. "At the ..

Maldivian Airlines adds 4 new China routes as Indian tourists' number falls

Beginning January 2025, the airline will operate flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi'an

RBI, Maldives Monetary Authority sign pact to promote local currency use

The RBI and the Maldives Monetary Authority on Thursday signed an agreement here for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies -- the Indian Rupee and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) for cross-border transactions. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Governor of Reserve Bank of India Shaktikanta Das and Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority Ahmed Munawar. "The MoU encourages the use of INR and MVR in current account transactions, permissible capital account transactions and any other economic and financial transactions as agreed upon by both countries," the RBI said in a statement. This framework would enable exporters and importers to invoice and settle in their respective domestic currencies, which in turn would enable the development of trading in the INR-MVR pair in foreign exchange market. Use of local currencies would optimise costs and settlement time for transactions, the RBI added. "This collaboration marks a key milestone in strengtheni

In a first, US turkey shipment leaves for Indian market after tariff cut

The first shipment of American Turkey products for India left on Tuesday, marking a new phase in the bilateral trade relations between the two countries. The shipment comes over a year after India agreed to the American request to reduce high tariffs on US turkey products. US Senator from Virginia Mark Warner, who is also co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, said this marks a historic milestone in international trade, expanding the reach of American turkey products in global markets, and opening new doors for US turkey producers. "This shipment is a tremendous opportunity for Virginia's poultry producers and a huge step forward for US-India trade," he said. "As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, I look forward to the ongoing cooperation between our two nations and to seeing a wealth of new opportunities open up for Virginia's poultry producers, Warner said. This shipment comes as a result of a trade agreement and tariff reduction, facilitated by a collaborative effort between th

President Muizzu introduces UPI payment service to boost Maldivian economy

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has taken "necessary steps" to introduce India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the archipelago nation, slated to benefit the Maldivian economy substantially. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI is an instant real-time payment system for facilitating inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. Muizzu on Sunday set up a consortium to introduce UPI in the country and appointed TradeNet Maldives Corporation Limited as its leading agency, according to a press release by the President's Office. The president also suggested the participation of the country's banks, telecom companies, state-owned companies and fintech companies in the consortium. He "decided to take the necessary steps" on the recommendation of the Cabinet, the press release said. "This move is expected to bring significant benefits to the Maldivian economy, including increased financial inclusion, improved efficiency in financial transactions, and

Maldives' strategic shift: Domestic priorities induce a thaw with India

As debt looms and foreign reserves dwindle, Muizzu's invitation to PM Narendra Modi and the push for increased Indian tourism highlight a pragmatic approach to foreign relations

Maldivian President Muizzu's visit to India: Key outcomes

Watch: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visits Taj Mahal

Outcomes of Muizzu's visit will take ties to new heights: Foreign secy

India on Monday said the ongoing visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu aims at building on the "strong and extensive foundation" of bilateral ties, and its outcomes will enable the India-Maldives relationship to "scale new heights". Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at a briefing here shared the contours of the visit and also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accepted President Muizzu's invitation to visit the Maldives next year and added that its schedule will be worked out through diplomatic channels. Misri told reporters that the Maldivian president is accompanied by a large number of cabinet ministers and a business delegation. The Maldivian president accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a Maldivian delegation arrived in India on Sunday. On Monday, he held extensive bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. Though the Maldivian president attended PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony in June, it is his first bilateral visit to India and seeks to reset ties. Aske

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Maldives' Muizzu inks MoUs with India amid shifting diplomatic tone

Economic challenges prompt Maldives to strengthen ties with India, sign Rs 30 billion currency swap agreement

RuPay launch in Maldives, new runaway at airport to ease transaction

The inauguration of a new runaway in the Maldives built under an airport redevelopment project assisted by India and the official launch of the RuPay card in the island nation on Monday are aimed at boosting economic ties and tourism cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian Mohamed Muizzu jointly virtually inaugurated the runway at the Hanimadhoo International Airport and also witnessed via weblink a live transaction using a RuPay payment service card in the Maldives. The launch took place after the two leaders held extensive talks which Muizzu in his press statement said were to "chart a new path for the future". The Maldivian president accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a Maldivian delegation arrived in India on Sunday evening. Though the Maldivian president attended PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony in June, it is his first bilateral visit to India. Prior to the launch of different India-assisted projects in the Maldives, a

Maldivian President Muizzu receives ceremonial Guard of Honour in India

Would not compromise India's security: What’s behind Maldives softened stance towards India?

EAM meets President Muizzu, appreciates his commitment to enhance ties

Sharing pictures with Muizzu, Jaishankar on X wrote, "Pleased to call on President Mohamed Muizzu today at the start of his State Visit to India."

Maldives President Muizzu arrives in New Delhi for first bilateral visit

During this visit, President Muizzu will hold meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior officials

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to visit India next week for 5 days

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu will pay a five-day visit to India beginning Monday with an aim to reset ties that came under some strain since November last year. Though the Maldivian president attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony in June, it will be his first bilateral visit to India. The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November. Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), announcing Muizzu's trip, said it is expected to lend further momentum to cooperation and robust people to people ties between the two countries. "President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu will be travelling to India on a state visit from October 6 to 10," it said. During his visit, Muizzu will h

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu likely to visit India on October 7

This will notably be the second time that Muizzu is visiting India this year after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this June

India extends $50 million budgetary support to Maldives for another year

This is the second rollover granted by the Indian government this year, following the first rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill in May

India major partner for development of education sector: Maldives minister

India remains a major partner for Maldives and also a major contributor to the development, especially in the education sector, Maldives Education, Labour & Skills Minister Ahmed Shafeeu has said. He was addressing education and skilling resources exhibition and conference DIDAC INDIA, on Wednesday. "India has been a leader in many ways, not only in the region but also globally. When we consider India's economic and technological development, as well as its contributions to education and skill development, it's important to recognize its significance," Shafeeu said at the three-event that began on September 18 here. The event is being organised by Messe Stuttgart India in collaboration with India Didactics Association (IDA). It was inaugurated by renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in the presence of Shafeeu and Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria. Ravi Shankar said educational institutions should prioritize addressing the mental health issues of teachers, students, and