The Indian government has refuted claims made by Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed regarding a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Maldives.
During a press briefing held by the Maldives’ Ministry of Economic Development and Trade last Saturday, Minister Saeed stated that India had expressed intentions for an FTA with the Maldives, alongside the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
However, India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, dismissed these claims during a regular press briefing held on Thursday.
Addressing journalists’ queries, Jaiswal clarified that the Indian government had not presented any specific proposal for a bilateral FTA with the Maldives. “We have seen reports of [Minister Saeed] speaking about [India] offering an FTA. We have not done so.” he said
He further stated that India would consider the matter if the Maldivian government formally expressed interest.
The exchange of statements follows a history of economic agreements and diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Under former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, the Maldives forged a Free Trade Agreement with China, a move criticized by Yameen’s successor, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. However, the agreement regained prominence under the presidency of Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who emphasised its importance as a symbol of strong relations between the Maldives and China.
Notably, bilateral relations between India and the Maldives have experienced strains, particularly following derogatory remarks made by high-ranking Maldivian officials against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Additionally, President Dr. Muizzu has faced scrutiny from some Indian media outlets, labelling him as “pro-China,”.
