PM Modi’s Maldives Visit: A New Chapter in Pharma Diplomacy

PharmaGenDrx News Bureau – 31st July, 2025

10:00 AM IST

In order to improve bilateral and international cooperation, India signs about 13 strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
recent trip to the Maldives paves way towards a strategic international partnership.

Among these, the MOU between the Indian Pharmacopeia Commission (IPC) and the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) represents a significant turning point in safeguarding public health with consistent drug quality.

This pivotal MoU has enabled Maldives to officially adopt the Indian Pharmacopoeia as their national standard for both imported and locally produced medicines, gaining a historic achievement for the Indian Pharmacopoeia. The move is set to simplify regulatory processes by allowing a streamline flow following direct recognition of Indian Manufacturer’s certificates of analysis and eliminating the need for redundant testing . This will help in deducting the cost of drugs, avoiding delays and easy access for the people of islands.

In addition, the agreement grants the Maldives access to Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference standards (IPRS) and impurity benchmarks at affordable rates, boosting local capacity for quality assurance and drug safety testing.

This remarkable partnership will reinforce India’s role in regional pharmaceutical governance. The citizens of the Islands will be benefited equally with access to affordable generic medicines with stringent quality control, marking a transformative advancement for healthcare in Maldives.

By Arundhuti Chatterjee and Sharon Bose.