India, Maldives conclude first round of FTA talks; make progress across key negotiating areas

India and the Maldives successfully concluded the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Tuesday, with both sides making substantive progress across eight technical negotiating sessions held virtually between June 29 and July 7.

The negotiations covered eight policy areas, with both countries reaching broad convergence on several issues.

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On July 8, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Maldives' Minister of Economic Development, Transport and Trade Mohamed Saeed reviewed the progress of the FTA negotiations and reaffirmed their commitment to expedite the conclusion of both the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and the trade pact as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.

India is the Maldives' second-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade rose 13.54% to $771.76 million in 2025-26 from $679.70 million in 2024-25.

The proposed India-Maldives FTA aims to strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties by enhancing market access, facilitating investment, promoting greater economic cooperation and supporting sustainable economic growth in both countries.

Earlier in June, the two nations began FTA negotiations, the commerce department said in a social media post, adding that the discussions are currently being held in virtual mode and will continue till July 7.