India Maldives ink six pacts to enhance bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's decision to provide an additional line of credit of $100 million to Maldives so that all projects can be completed in a time-bound manner.

Following bilateral talks with the President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Hyderabad House here, the two two leaders exchanged the MoUs and held a joint press statement.

"We have decided to provide an additional line of credit of $100 million so that all projects can be completed in a time-bound manner," the Prime Minister said.

The two countries have signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Capacity Building and Training of Members of Local Councils and Women Development Committee of Maldives between NIRDPR, India and Local Government Authority, Maldives.

Another MoU is on Collaboration in potential fishing zone forecast capacity building and data sharing and marine scientific research between INCOIS, India and Ministry of Fisheries of Maldives.

The two countries have inked an agreement for Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security between CERT-India and NCIT of Maldives.

India and Maldives also agreed to have an MoU for cooperation in the field of disaster management. The National Disaster Management Authorities of both countries will engage to expand cooperation in this regard.

There has been an Agreement between EXIM Bank, India and Ministry of Finance, Maldives for USD 41 Mn Buyer’s Credit Financing of Police Infrastructure in Maldives.

Another Letter of Intent has been signed between Exim Bank of India and Ministry of Finance, Maldives on Buyer’s Credit funding approval of USD 119 Mn for additional 2,000 social housing units to be constructed in Hulhumale.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in the last few years, there has been a renewed vigor in the relations between India and Maldives and the closeness between the two countries has increased.

"In spite of the challenges posed by the pandemic, our cooperation continues to become a comprehensive partnership. Close contact and coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region," the Prime Minister added.

"We have also reviewed the projects for the construction of 4000 social housing units in Greater Male today. I am happy to announce that we will also provide financial support for 2000 social housing units in addition," Modi added.

He said that the threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean is serious.

The Prime Minister assured that India has been the first responder in any need or crisis of Maldives and will continue to do so in future.

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said that Maldives-India relationship goes beyond diplomacy.

Our values, histories and cultures are intertwined making it a traditional relationship, he said.

"Our centuries old relationship has grown with political trust, economic cooperation and coherent strategic policies between the two countries," added Solih.

He said that Maldives see this visit as an affirmation of the close bond that has grown between the two countries.

Our relationship has been nurtured by regular contact, he added.

Solih also reiterated his country's firm commitment to deal with the threat of terrorism.

(With UNI inputs)