Canada-Maldives relations
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Bilateral relations
Diplomatic relations between Canada and the Maldives were established in 1981. In the Maldives, Canada is represented by the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives based in Colombo. The Maldives is represented in Canada by its Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
Canada and the Maldives are both members of a number of multilateral organizations, including the United Nations and the Commonwealth, and share the imperatives of expanding climate action, protecting biodiversity and advancing human rights, sustainable development, media freedom, inclusive governance, and gender equality.
Trade relations
In 2025, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and the Maldives totaled $52.7 million. Over the years, trade between the two countries has fluctuated, but is generally trending upward. Exports to the Maldives have grown to $52.3 million in 2025, up 64.8% from 2024, and were concentrated around aircraft parts and turbo propellers. During the same year, imports from the Maldives to Canada totaled $0.38 million. Fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates accounted for the majority of these imports.
Given the unique island geography of the Maldives, the country presents opportunities for Canadians in the aviation and transportation equipment sectors. The Maldives also may be a potential market of interest for Canadian businesses in the environment and clean energy sector, as well as in agri-food, namely focusing on food, beverages and meat production.
Development
For over three decades, Canada has funded projects designed and implemented by small, local civil society organizations through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. In recent years, Canada has supported local Maldivian organizations working to protect the Maldives’ environment and promote women’s rights.
Through the deployment of Canadian expertise, Canada has helped to strengthen the Maldivian government’s capacity in climate negotiation and environmental data collection.
The Maldives also benefits from Canadian international assistance through Canada’s support to multilateral and international non-governmental organizations, notably on the issue of irregular migration, and climate change and adaptation.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and the Maldives work closely in multilateral forums, such as:
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