India–Maldives Trade Talks: India and the Maldives wrapped the first round of virtual Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations (June 29–July 7), with teams holding text-based discussions across eight technical sessions and reporting substantive progress. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal met Maldives’ Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed on July 8 to review momentum and push to fast-track both the FTA and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), with cooperation also flagged for tourism, startups, digital payments and MSMEs. Tourism & Mobility: Thailand kept visa-free entry for Indian travellers but cut the maximum stay to 30 days, after uncertainty over a proposed withdrawal hurt arrivals; the 30-day cap now applies alongside other eligible countries including the Maldives. Public Health Supply: State Pharma said its focus is uninterrupted medicine availability, expanding stock and supply-chain systems, using digital tools for inventory monitoring, and planning longer-demand forecasting; it also took over pharmacies previously run by the State Trading Organization. Marine Skills for Resorts: Alia and the Maldives Institute of Technology began the 2026 Boat Operators Training Programme (July 14–16) for 48 captains, covering safety, emergency response, first aid and engine maintenance. Green & Social Finance: Maldives Green Tax collections reached MVR 1.2bn in the first half of 2026 (up 8.2%), while Zakat al-Mal contributions doubled in June, lifting support for welfare and medical needs. Tourism Recognition: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa was named among the Maldives’ best house reefs at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026.