Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to strengthen India-Maldives bilateral ties.

Maldivian President visits Karnataka Raj Bhavan to strengthen India-Maldives bilateral ties

President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed visited Karnataka's Raj Bhavan and met Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot to strengthen bilateral ties.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Maldivian President and First Lady met Karnataka Chief Minister, Governor and leaders at Raj Bhavan
  • Discussions focused on economic cooperation and ‘Neighbourhood First’ initiatives
  • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah underlined Bengaluru’s collaborations with the Maldives

In an attempt to strengthen bilateral ties, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed paid a courtesy visit to Raj Bhavan, Karnataka, where they were received by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, along with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and cabinet minister MC Sudhakar.

The visit aimed to reinforce ties under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) initiatives, with both countries focusing on economic cooperation through agreements such as the currency swap.

The discussions also highlighted recent advancements like the launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives, expanded air connectivity, and enhanced visa facilities. Future plans for opening consulates in Addu City and Bengaluru were viewed as crucial for fostering tourism and trade.

Governor Gehlot underscored the deep-rooted friendship between India and the Maldives, noting the significance of recent high-level meetings between President Muizzu and key Indian leaders, including the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister.

He further expressed enthusiasm about the President’s business delegation, noting that Bengaluru, as India’s IT hub, could play a key role in deepening economic and commercial ties with the Maldives.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrated Karnataka’s collaborations ties with the Maldives, emphasising the state’s role in IT, innovation, and start-ups, offering collaboration opportunities. “We look forward to strengthening our trade ties, particularly in promoting Karnataka’s handloom and handicraft industries to the Maldivian tourism market,” Siddaramaiah added.

The chief minister emphasised the historical ties between Bengaluru and the Maldives, noting that First Lady Sajidha Mohamed had studied in Bengaluru.

President Muizzu also acknowledged the large number of Maldivian students in Karnataka and emphasised the importance of mutual development efforts in both nations.