lobal trade has expanded rapidly in recent decades, accompanied by a parallel rise in regionalism as neighbouring countries strengthen their economic, financial, and trade ties. For the Maldives, a small archipelagic, import-dependent island nation, maintaining robust trade relations is crucial for its economic stability and growth. The central problem this article addresses is how regional trade cooperation, particularly within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA), can support the Maldives’ trade expansion despite persistent geopolitical tensions in South Asia. The article argues that while SAARC’s potential for deep trade integration remains underutilised, the Maldives’ stable diplomatic relations with other nations in the region offer promising opportunities for enhancing intra-regional commerce. Structurally, the article first explores the Maldives’ participation in SAARC and SAFTA, then compares these frameworks with the country’s newer trade agreements involving China, Türkiye, India, and the United Kingdom. Finally, it evaluates the effectiveness and implications of these partnerships for trade diversification and economic resilience. The findings suggest that although SAFTA has yet to deliver its full potential due to political frictions, the Maldives can still leverage regional cooperation and bilateral agreements to strengthen its trade network and advance economic growth.