Maldives–India Trade Push: Maldives and India have concluded bilateral investment treaty (BIT) negotiations, with the text now in “legal scrubbing,” while both sides are fast-tracking talks on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA); ministers also discussed boosting cooperation in tourism, startups, digital payments and MSMEs. Digital Transformation: Parliament has approved the Maldives 2.0 Digital Transformation Bill and a Digital Identity Bill, moving the country toward a formal legal framework for a national digital identity system and a new state agency to steer digital governance. Hospitality Investment: Bahrain’s Gulf Hotels Group signed an MoU with Maldivian partner Keiretsu Pvt Ltd to develop a luxury island resort in Kaafu Atoll, targeting a private-lagoon project about 15–25 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. Tourism Business Events: MATI Insight returns on 12 August 2026 with workshops on creativity, business communication and AI-powered brand building, including a live session on AdLegends.ai. Forensics Capacity: The government has started preparations for the Maldives’ first post-mortem examination facility, with a Level 2 medical unit planned at Male’ City Group of Hospitals to support medico-legal services nationwide. Regional Macro Watch: An ADB report warns Pakistan could see higher inflation and slower growth, while forecasting Maldives growth around 1%.