Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has held bilateral talks with India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, during his official visit to India, focusing on strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting centred on expanding bilateral economic ties and advancing cooperation in trade, investment and sustainable economic development. Both ministers reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the Maldives and India and reiterated their commitment to enhancing economic collaboration for the mutual benefit of both countries.

A key focus of the discussions was the proposed Maldives–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The ministers reviewed progress on the ongoing negotiations, welcomed the commencement of formal talks and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the negotiations in a constructive and mutually beneficial manner. Once concluded, the 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 following the meeting, Minister Saeed said the discussions also covered the finalisation of the Maldives–India Bilateral Investment Treaty and several new initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, investment and broader economic cooperation.

He added that the discussions reflected the shared commitment of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further deepen Maldives–India relations through enhanced economic cooperation and mutually beneficial growth. Minister Saeed also thanked Minister Goyal for his hospitality and expressed his commitment to working closely with him to translate their shared vision into tangible outcomes for the people of both countries.

The meeting was attended by the Maldives' High Commissioner to India, Aishath Azeema, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Development, Transport and Trade and the High Commission of the Maldives in India.