PM Modi expands ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ globally with tree plantation in Maldives. His visit strengthens India-Maldives ties through defence cooperation, climate action, healthcare aid, major development projects, and new financial support—while celebrating 60 years of Maldivian independence and Modi’s historic tenure as PM.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to the Maldives, continued to push forward India’s ambitious ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (Plant a Tree for Mother) initiative by planting a mango sapling alongside Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu in Male on Friday. This symbolic gesture also aligned with the Maldives’ own “Pledge of 5 Million Tree Plantation” campaign, underscoring a shared regional commitment to sustainability, climate action, and environmental conservation.
“India and the Maldives fully understand the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. And we are committed to doing everything possible to boost sustainability,” PM Modi posted on X, after the plantation event in Male. The act not only reflected a joint eco-conscious vision but also reinforced the growing diplomatic warmth between the two nations.
During the visit, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the new 11-storey Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in Male, constructed with Indian financial assistance. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the structure symbolizes the deep-rooted and evolving defence and security cooperation between India and the Maldives. The new MoD complex will help enhance the operational capacities of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and its law enforcement agencies.
In a move to strengthen healthcare collaboration, Prime Minister Modi also handed over two cutting-edge BHISHM cubes (Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes) to the Maldivian government. These deployable medical systems are equipped to handle up to 200 casualties and support a crew of six medical personnel for 72 hours. “BHISHM is a symbol of India’s commitment to timely and compassionate healthcare support,” PM Modi remarked.
The visit also saw the signing of six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering fisheries and aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure (including UPI), Indian pharmacopoeia, and a new concessional Line of Credit (LoC). This fresh LoC, amounting to ₹4,850 crores (approximately USD 550 million), is earmarked for infrastructure and development projects across the Maldives.
An amendatory agreement was also signed to restructure an existing LoC, reducing the Maldives’ annual debt repayment from USD 51 million to 29 million—offering significant fiscal relief. Both sides further agreed on the Terms of Reference for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA), indicating greater economic synergy in the near future.
On the development front, PM Modi and President Muizzu inaugurated key infrastructure projects, including a roads and drainage system in Addu City and six High Impact Community Development Projects across various regions. India also handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 operational vehicles for Maldivian security and immigration authorities.
Adding a personal and historical touch to the visit, President Muizzu honoured PM Modi for becoming India’s second-longest-serving Prime Minister in consecutive terms, with 4,078 uninterrupted days in office. At a banquet held in PM Modi’s honour, President Muizzu praised him for his “unwavering commitment to public service and the prosperity of the Indian people.”
The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence, a momentous occasion for which PM Modi was invited as Guest of Honour. His presence at the celebration not only marked India’s long-standing diplomatic ties—first formalized in 1965—but also reaffirmed its support for regional stability, peace, and cultural cooperation.
In a memorable moment, chants of “Modi, Modi” and “Narendra Modi Zindabad” echoed through Male as thousands gathered to welcome the Indian leader. A giant portrait of PM Modi adorned the newly inaugurated Defence Ministry building—a powerful visual representation of the bilateral camaraderie.
Commemorative stamps marking 60 years of India-Maldives friendship were also jointly released. Featuring traditional boats from both nations, the stamps reflected shared cultural heritage and maritime bonds. “We are not just neighbours, but also co-passengers,” PM Modi declared, emphasizing the historical depth of the partnership.
PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support to the Maldives under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and the broader MAHASAGAR Vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He reiterated India’s commitment to aiding the Maldives during crises—be it natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, or economic challenges.
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Finally, PM Modi emphasized cooperation on climate change and maritime security, noting that both nations are set to work together through the Colombo Security Conclave and in promoting renewable energy. The visit, rich in symbolism and substance, highlighted India’s enduring friendship with the Maldives while setting the tone for a new chapter in regional cooperation.
