Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed has expressed confidence that ongoing discussions between the Maldives and India will further strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

In a post on social media following his official visit to India at the invitation of India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, Minister Saeed said the meetings had created opportunities to turn shared ideas into practical initiatives that would benefit both countries.

He noted that discussions focused on the progress of the proposed India-Maldives Free Trade Agreement which was initiated following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's official visit to India in 2024.

The Minister said the talks also explored ways to expand trade opportunities, strengthen private sector partnerships, and advance the shared economic vision of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the visit, Minister Saeed also met senior representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), where a series of discussions were held on enhancing business cooperation and investment.

Minister Saeed noted that both sides reaffirmed that the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and India is expected to deepen further through increased investment, stronger economic engagement and closer trade cooperation.