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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday congratulated the government of Maldives on the occasion of its 61st Independence Day. In a post on Twitter, Jaishankar wished Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and the public on this auspicious occasion. He wrote, "Heartiest greetings to Foreign Minister @IruthishamAdam, the Government and people of Maldives on their 61st Independence Day." #NeighborhoodFirst#VisionMAHASAGAR 🇮🇳🇲🇻 pic.twitter.com/iY1pUstIkb — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 26, 2026

PM Modi had attended the ceremony last year

It is noteworthy that last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of Maldives' independence as the guest of honour. This was the first time that an Indian Prime Minister had attended Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives. Prime Minister Modi is also the first foreign leader at the level of Head of State or Government to be hosted by President Muizzu. The Prime Minister witnessed the Independence Day Parade at Republic Square with President Muizzu. On this occasion, the Prime Minister extended hearty congratulations to the people and government of Maldives. The ceremony featured a lively parade by the Maldivian National Defense Forces and other local units, as well as a series of cultural programs highlighting the achievements of the Maldives as a modern nation. PM Modi thanked President Muizzu and the people of Maldives for their cordial invitation. His participation in the Independence Day celebrations as 'Guest of Honour' set a milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries. Additionally, the year 2025 also marks 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Maldives.

India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement

Meanwhile, India and Maldives have come one step closer to signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The first round of talks was successful, with both countries making concrete progress on several negotiation tracks and reiterating their commitment to accelerate the agreement. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the first round of India-Maldives FTA negotiations was held in virtual mode from June 29 to July 7, with the negotiating teams from both sides holding text-based discussions in eight technical sessions covering eight policy areas. Highlighting the progress made, the ministry said, "Both sides have made solid progress on the dialogue tracks and reached broad consensus on a number of issues." The proposed FTA is expected to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations by improving market access, facilitating investment, promoting greater economic cooperation and contributing to sustainable economic growth in both countries. India is currently the second largest trading partner of Maldives. According to the ministry, bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to increase from US$ 679.70 million in 2024-25 to US$ 771.76 million in 2025-26, registering a growth of 13.54 per cent. The ministry said both countries are working towards a broad-based, balanced and comprehensive agreement guided by the principles of fairness and reciprocity, with the proposed FTA expected to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties in the years to come. (ANI)