Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and noted the tourism in Maldives is set to grow after the Indian prime minister’s visit.

Mohamed Muizzu hailed India as “one of the major countries” in terms of its contribution to Maldives’ tourism. He said that the tourism would increase following PM Modi’s visit. “…Our people-to-people connection will also be enhanced,” he added.

“India is one of the major countries that helps the Maldives’ tourism… with the Prime Minister’s visit, it is going to increase, and our people-to-people connection will also be enhanced,” Muizzu said.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramaniam told WION news that UPI agreement between India and Maldives will “increase the number of Indian tourists in Maldives to 10-15%.”

He explained that with the UPI agreement, it will be now “easier” for India tourists to book resorts in Maldives with their current savings account rather than coverting the currency.

Besides, Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Tourism and Environment of Maldives, said, “We hope that the tourist arrival from India will increase with the opening of the airport, Velana International Airport and especially with the visit of Prime Minister Modi as well.”

“This year, we are targeting about 2.3 million tourists to the country. Right now, we have reached about 1.2 million tourists, and I would like to highlight that the 1 million tourists are from India…,” Ibrahim told news agency ANI.

When asked if he plans to visit India soon, Muizzu said he hopes to do so. “I don’t know whether this year or maybe in the near future,” he said.

‘Heartfelt thanks’ In a post on X, Muizzu said, “I extend heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi for his state visit to the Maldives. We held fruitful discussions, witnessed the exchange of 4 MoUs & 3 agreements in vital areas, and announced the launch of FTA negotiations.”

“Together, we celebrated the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day, released a commemorative stamp marking 60 years of formal ties, and inaugurated key development projects under Indian assistance. A defining visit that sets a clear path for the future of India-Maldives relations,” the Maldivian President added.

Calling the state visit as a productive one, he noted that the visit led to the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and three key agreements, and also marked the beginning of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two nations.

‘People-to-people ties’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was an honour for him to attend the Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, “It was an honour to attend the 60th Independence Day celebrations of the Maldives.”

“This momentous occasion showcased the rich cultural heritage and vibrant spirit of the Maldivian people. It also signified the country’s journey of transformation over the years gone by,” PM Modi said.

“From its ancient maritime traditions to global leadership in critical areas like climate change, the Maldives has carved a unique place for itself on the world stage. My best wishes to the great Maldivian people,” he added.

“India and the Maldives share a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual respect, shared values and a long history of cultural and economic exchanges. Our relationship continues to grow, shaped by people-to-people ties and cooperation in various sectors. India remains committed to supporting the aspirations of the Maldivian people and to working together for the betterment of our planet,” he added.

PM Modi also met the Indian diaspora in Maldives, calling it a strong bridge between India and the world.

“Interacted with the Indian community in the Maldives. It is commendable how they are contributing to Maldives’ progress and at the same time remain connected to their roots in India. The Indian diaspora continues to be one of the strongest bridges between India and the world. We are very proud of our diaspora.”

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that Indian community in Maldives is a key pillar of the enduring India-Maldives friendship.

In a post on X, he said, “PM Narendra Modi interacted with the members of the Indian community in Maldives. PM appreciated their contributions in building upon the strong and vibrant people to people ties between India-Maldives. Indian community in Maldives is a key pillar of the enduring India-Maldives friendship.”

Jaiswal called the visit a fruitful one. He said in a post on X, “A very fruitful & productive State visit to Maldives concludes.”

Jaiswal said that PM Modi attending the 60th anniversary of Independence Day celebrations of Maldives was a historic moment.

In a post on X, he said, “A historic moment in the India-Maldives bilateral relationship. PM Narendra Modi attended the 60th anniversary of Independence Day celebrations of Maldives at the Republic Square in Male, today, as the ‘Guest of Honour’.”

“India has established itself as a time-tested partner of Maldives over the years and continues to be the ‘First Responder’ for Maldives in keeping with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘MAHASAGAR’ policies,” Jaiswal said.