India and Maldives have signed six agreements in different sectors including avoidance of double taxation, conservation and restoration of ancient mosque, tourism and defence. The pacts were inked after comprehensive talks between visiting Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. In his press statement, Mr Modi said, progress, security and economic development is at the core of India-Maldives relations. He said, India's economic development is incomplete without progress of its neighbours. The Prime Minister called for cooperation between security agencies of the two countries to tackle the menace of rising radicalisation of youth and terrorism. <br/><br/>Referring to the challenges before Maldives, Mr Modi said, stable and secure Maldive is in India's strategic interest. He said, India is conscious of security needs of Maldives and the island nation will be sensitive to its strategic and security interests. Mr Modi said, India understands its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean and is ready to protect its strategic interests in this region. In his statement, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said, India is the most important friend of Maldives and ties between the two nations are based in civilizational roots. He said, efforts are being made to improve country's economy. <br/><br/>Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary. India and Maldives commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year. Both countries have historically had a close relationship, both as neighbours and friends in the Indian Ocean region. Ancient ties of trade, culture, linguistic and religious interfaces have provided the foundation for relations in present times. The Maldivian President arrived in New Delhi yesterday.

India and Maldives have signed six agreements in different sectors including avoidance of double taxation, conservation and restoration of ancient mosque, tourism and defence. Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.<br/><br/>Mr. Gayoom arrived in New Delhi yesterday evening on a two-day visit to India. A high level delegation is accompanying him in the trip. President Gayoom's first visit after assumption of office was to India in January 2014. <br/><br/>Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the visiting dignitary. India and Maldives commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year. Both countries have historically had a close relationship, both as neighbours and friends in the Indian Ocean region. Ancient ties of trade, culture, linguistic and religious interfaces have provided the foundation for relations in present times.