India and the Maldives are exploring new economic cooperation and trade avenues. This was discussed during a meeting in Malé on Friday between India's Commerce Secretary, Sunil Barthwal, and Maldivian Economic Development and Trade Minister, Mohamed Saeed, who later posted on X about strengthening partnerships
India's Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal met Maldivian Economic Development and Trade Minister Mohamed Saeed on Friday to discuss deepening trade and investment ties. Pic/X
India and the Maldives are exploring new avenues to bolster economic cooperation and trade, state-run media reported on Saturday. This discussion took place during a meeting in Malé on Friday between India's Commerce Secretary, Sunil Barthwal, and the Maldivian Economic Development and Trade Minister, Mohamed Saeed.
The meeting, held at the Maldivian Economic Ministry as part of Barthwal's visit, focused on identifying fresh areas for economic collaboration and solidifying existing trade relationships, according to Public Service Media (PSM News), the state broadcaster.
Following the discussion, Minister Saeed posted on X: "Had a productive meeting today with India's Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. We discussed strengthening trade and investment partnerships between our nations and exploring new opportunities for economic cooperation."
Similarly, India's Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, also posted on X, describing Barthwal's meeting with Saeed as "constructive," with a focus on "enhancing trade and investment ties and exploring new avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries."
In a push to attract Indian investment, business forums were recently organised in three Indian cities to highlight opportunities within the Maldives, PSM News added.
India continues to be a crucial development partner for the Maldives, contributing to various infrastructure and capacity-building projects. New Delhi has also extended a USD 25.94 million currency swap facility to support the archipelagic nation's economy.
Earlier, on May 26, India and the Maldives explored ways to boost trade and strategic cooperation during a three-day visit to New Delhi by Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and a high-level delegation.
Meanwhile, this visit aimed to review the implementation of their comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, a point agreed upon during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's trip to New Delhi last October, reported PTI.
Ties between India and the Maldives experienced strain after President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, assumed office in November 2023. Within hours of his inauguration, he had called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country, who were subsequently replaced by civilians on a mutually agreed date.
However, a thaw in relations emerged as Muizzu pledged to strengthen bilateral ties with India during his visit to Delhi in October 2024.
The Maldives remains a key maritime neighbour for India and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
(With inputs from PTI)
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