Aug 12: The External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, Dr. S Jaishankar undertook an official visit to Maldives from 09-11 August 2024.
During the visit, EAM called on H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives and extended greetings from Prime Minister of India. President Muizzu appreciated India’s continued developmental assistance provided to Maldives and reaffirmed his commitment to deepen the India-Maldives relationship further. At the President’s Office, EAM and Foreign Minister jointly inaugurated, in the presence of President Muizzu, India’s Line of Credit (LoC)-assisted project of water and sewerage network in 28 islands of Maldives.
EAM held discussions with his counterpart H.E. Moosa Zameer, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Maldives and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations. EAM had productive discussions with the Minister for Defence, wherein, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the India-Maldives defence and security partnership. EAM also met the Ministers of Finance and Economic Development & Trade and the Governor of Maldives Monetary Authority and discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries. During these interactions, the Maldivian side appreciated India’s support to the overall development of Maldives, including social, infrastructural and financial sectors. EAM also met a delegation from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) led by its President Abdulla Shahid.
In Male, MoUs on capacity building of additional 1000 Maldivian civil servants in India and on introduction of UPI in Maldives were exchanged. Six High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) under grant assistance by India in the areas of mental health, special education, speech therapy and street lighting were also jointly inaugurated. EAM along with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, planted a sapling at the Lonuziyaaraiy Park as part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ initiative and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s 5 Million Tree Project.
EAM accompanied by Foreign Minister and Minister of Construction & Infrastructure of Maldives, visited the India-assisted Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) site and jointly reviewed the progress of this flagship development project that will connect Male with the adjoining islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. EAM also interacted with Indian community members in Male and appreciated their contribution to the India-Maldives relations.
As part of the visit, EAM also visited Addu city on 11 August 2024, during which he, along with Foreign Minister and Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, jointly inaugurated the Addu Reclamation and Shore Protection Project and Addu Detour Link Bridge Project.
The visit highlights the importance of Maldives, India’s maritime neighbour, as a key partner in the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and India’s Vision ‘SAGAR’ i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region. Maldives remains an important partner of India in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. The visit reaffirmed the continued commitment of both countries to strengthening their multi-dimensional bilateral relationship and deepening their close people-to-people ties.
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