The inaugural round of official negotiations aimed at establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Maldives and India commenced on June 29, 2026.

These discussions signify a crucial milestone in elevating the bilateral trade relationship between the two nations to a more strategic level. The primary objective of these negotiations is to eliminate existing trade barriers, thereby facilitating seamless access for Maldivian products into the vast Indian market and fostering greater economic cooperation and mutual growth