New Delhi [India], July 27 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday extended greetings to the Government of Maldives on the occasion of the nation's 61st Independence Day.

In a post on X, Jaishankar wished the Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and the public on the auspicious occasion.

'Best wishes to FM @IruthishamAdam, the Government and people of Maldives on their 61st Independence Day,' he wrote.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2081377580738035981

Notably, last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Independence of the Maldives as the Guest of Honour, making it the first time that an Indian Prime Minister has attended the Independence Day celebrations in the Maldives.

Prime Minister Modi is also the first foreign leader at the level of Head of State or Government to be hosted by President Muizzu.

The PM, accompanied by President Muizzu, witnessed the Independence Day parade at Republic Square.

On the occasion, Prime Minister extended warm greetings to the people and government of Maldives. The celebrations showcased a lively parade by the Maldivian National Defence Forces and other local units, along with a string of cultural performances that dwelt on the achievements of Maldives as a modern nation.

PM Modi thanked President Muizzu and the people of Maldives for their gracious invitation. His participation in the Independence Day celebrations as the 'Guest of Honour' marked a milestone in the bilateral ties between the two countries.

Additionally, the year 2025 also marked 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Maldives.

Meanwhile, India and the Maldives have moved a step closer to signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after the successful conclusion of the first round of negotiations, with both countries making substantive progress across multiple negotiating tracks and reaffirming their commitment to expedite the agreement.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the first round of India-Maldives FTA negotiations was held in virtual mode from June 29 to July 7, with negotiating teams from both sides holding text-based discussions across eight technical sessions covering eight policy areas.

Highlighting the progress made, the ministry said, 'Both sides made substantive progress across the negotiating tracks and reached broad convergence on several issues.'The proposed FTA is expected to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations by improving market access, facilitating investment, promoting greater economic cooperation and contributing to sustainable economic growth in both countries.

India is currently the second-largest trading partner of the Maldives. Bilateral trade between the two countries rose to USD 771.76 million in 2025-26 from USD 679.70 million in 2024-25, registering a growth of 13.54 per cent, according to the ministry.

The ministry said both countries are working towards a broad-based, balanced and comprehensive agreement guided by the principles of fairness and reciprocity, with the proposed FTA expected to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties in the years ahead. (ANI)