Maldives is a close friend and key partner for India in the Indian Ocean Region, holding a special place in its 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR Vision," President Droupadi Murmu said on Monday as she received visiting Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. She also hosted a banquet in his and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed's honour.
According to her, the document adopted during this visit-Vision-will enhance the level of that relationship and propel them clearly to achieving comprehensive economic and maritime security cooperation.
She is glad to note that India is one of the top trading partners of Maldives and that there is equally good potential in taking forward collaboration in the field of digital payments and other new technologies.
The leaders agreed that such advancement in this bilateral partnership will benefit the people of both countries.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said Maldives occupies a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and SAGAR vision, and that both have decided on a comprehensive, economic, and maritime security partnership vision that will provide strategic direction to bilateral cooperation.
He disclosed while addressing the media jointly with President Muizzu at Hyderabad House that the two neighbourly nations have also agreed to discuss the Free Trade Agreement and will also work towards settling trades in local currency.
Both leaders held comprehensive discussions that will further deepen ties in a range of areas including development partnership, energy, trade, financial linkages, and defence cooperation. Several agreements were signed.
Both countries agreed upon a joint declaration adopting the India-Maldives Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
Earlier, Maldives President accompanied by the First Lady was given ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He visited Raj Ghat following the welcoming ceremony to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
President Muizzu will spend Tuesday at Agra and also visit Mumbai and Bengaluru for business engagements.
Read also| PM Modi and Maldives President Muizzu Discuss Building a 'Brighter Future' Together
Read also| Karachi Blast Claims Lives of Several, Including Two Chinese Nationals
