- Maldives and India reviewed progress on Free Trade Agreement negotiations and finalisation of a Bilateral Investment Treaty.
- Minister Mohamed Saeed met India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to strengthen trade, investment and economic cooperation.
- The proposed IMFTA aims to improve market access, reduce trade barriers and create business opportunities.
The Maldives and India have reviewed progress on formal Free Trade Agreement negotiations and the finalisation of a Bilateral Investment Treaty, as both countries continue efforts to expand economic cooperation through trade and investment.
Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed met India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, during his official visit to India, undertaken at the invitation of the Indian Commerce Minister.
The discussions focused on strengthening economic relations between the Maldives and India, with attention given to trade, investment and sustainable economic development. The meeting also covered ongoing bilateral economic initiatives, including negotiations on the India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement, known as IMFTA.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade, both ministers welcomed the commencement of formal negotiations on the agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the process in a constructive and mutually beneficial manner.
The Ministry said the proposed FTA is expected to improve market access, facilitate trade, reduce barriers to commerce and create new opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.
In a post on X, the Ministry said discussions also reviewed progress on the IMFTA, which was initiated during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official visit to India in 2024. Minister Saeed also said the meeting covered the finalisation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and several new initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
The talks come as the Maldives seeks to widen its external economic partnerships while maintaining India as a key trade and development partner. For Maldivian businesses, progress on a trade agreement with India could carry implications for market access, import costs, investment flows and regulatory cooperation.
The meeting also reflects a continued effort by both governments to move economic engagement beyond project-based cooperation towards a more structured framework for trade and investment.
Minister Saeed was accompanied at the meeting by the High Commissioner of Maldives to India, Aishath Azeema, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade and the High Commission of Maldives in India.
