BENGALURU: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday emphasised the importance of India-Maldives collaboration in achieving a digital and sustainable future for his country.
He was speaking at the India-Maldives Business Forum in Bengaluru.
President Dr Muizzu and and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday morning by a special flight from New Delhi on a two-day visit.
He said Maldives could benefit from ICT collaborations by leveraging Bengaluru’s expertise and suggested that stronger ties with educational institutions and tech companies could enhance technological resilience and bridge the digital gap.
He stressed that the Maldives offers an ideal environment for Indian investment, given its proximity and shared cultural and economic ties, along with a favourable business climate. He invited Indian investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy and other sectors and emphasised that their expertise could foster a sustainable future, boost the Maldivian economy, and support global climate action.
During the business forum, he underscored his administration’s efforts to expand the digital economy, according to a press release.
Earlier in the day, during his visit to Raj Bhavan, President Muizzu expressed his desire to enhance cooperation, particularly in education and tourism. Acknowledging the large number of Maldivian students in Karnataka, he emphasised the importance of mutual development efforts in both nations.
He thanked the Government of India for its generous hospitality and stated that discussions during his state visit have been constructive.
Welcoming the President and First Lady, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between India and the Maldives, noting the President’s recent meetings with key Indian leaders, including the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister. “These engagements have further solidified the cordial relations between our two nations,” he said.
The Governor emphasised the Maldives’ significant role in India’s “Neighbourhood First” and “SAGAR” (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiatives. He praised the currency swap agreement as a testament to the strong economic cooperation between the two countries and celebrated recent developments such as the launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives, expanded air connectivity, and enhanced visa facilities.
“We are optimistic about the opening of an Indian consulate in Addu City, Maldives, and a Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru. These initiatives will promote closer ties, especially in tourism,” the Governor stated.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was given to understand that the government of Maldives is interested in having partnerships with the leading IT industry of Bengaluru. “We will be happy to facilitate the growth of IT industry in Maldives,” the CM said. “I am pleased to note that the First Lady was a student in Bengaluru,” the CM added.
The CM said they look forward to strengthening the trade ties, particularly in promoting Karnataka’s handloom and handicraft industries to the Maldivian tourism market.