Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s landmark State visit to the island nation, calling it a major boost to bilateral relations and describing the Indian leader as a “wonderful person.”

Speaking to Indian media after Maldives’ Independence Day celebrations, where PM Modi was the Guest of Honour, President Muizzu highlighted India’s key role in promoting tourism and economic cooperation. “India is one of the major countries helping the Maldives with tourism. This visit will further enhance people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

Muizzu commended PM Modi’s commitment over the last 11 years in strengthening ties. “He’s a wonderful person who values building strong relationships with neighbors. Our ties go back centuries, and with his leadership, this partnership will grow even stronger,” he added.

During the visit, India and the Maldives signed four Memorandums of Understanding and three agreements across key sectors. Both leaders also launched negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

In a post on X, Muizzu wrote, “I extend heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his State Visit to the Maldives. We held fruitful discussions, witnessed MoU exchanges in vital areas, and launched FTA negotiations.”

The two leaders also jointly released a commemorative stamp to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties and inaugurated key development projects supported by India.

Tourism and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim stated that the opening of the new terminal at Velana International Airport will enhance Maldives’ connectivity, with a target of welcoming 2.3 million tourists in 2025 — including 200,000 from India.

PM Modi also held wide-ranging discussions with political leaders across the spectrum, underscoring bipartisan support for the “time-tested” India-Maldives friendship.