India, Maldives exchange diplomatic notes to implement visa pact

New Delhi, Feb 12 (IANS) India and the Maldives on Tuesday exchanged diplomatic notes for implementation of the visa facilitation agreement, which provides a liberal visa regime for the Maldivian nationals to visit India for tourism, business, education and medical purposes.

It also makes it easier for Indians to travel to the Maldives for business and related issues. 

The visa facilitation agreement, which will enable greater people to people contacts, was signed during the Maldives President Ibrahim Solih's visit to India in December 2018. The exchange of diplomatic notes follows assent to the agreement by President Ram Nath Kovind.

A Ministry of External Affairs release said the agreement will be effective from March 11 after completion of all formalities, including information being provided to all immigration offices, border points and customs authorities.