India signed ten high-impact project agreements with the Maldivian government to be implemented in 11 atolls during the bilateral visit by the Indian Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, on Sunday.
Progress in Infrastructure, Connectivity Projects
In his first bilateral visit to the island nation, Muraleedharan assessed and launched several connectivity projects emphasising India’s commitment toward the Maldives’ economic development. He held bilateral meetings with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, touching upon the long-standing relationship between India and Maldives and the strong developmental partnership.
Muraleedharan and Shahid jointly launched construction work of the Gan International Airport redevelopment project to promote inter-regional air connectivity. This is the largest-ever infrastructure project funded by the Indian government in the Maldives. It is expected to give a significant boost to the local economy.
Moreover, the two officials also discussed the progress in implementing the Hanimaadhoo International Airport project initiated in January.
Privileged to join President of the Maldives H.E. @ibusolih to witness the groundbreaking ceremony of Gan International Airport Development Project, Addu City
— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) June 4, 2023
Once redeveloped with modern facilities, the airport will act as the main hub connecting Southern Maldives to the world. pic.twitter.com/jf2FfhOYoK
Muraleedharan noted that water and sanitation projects in 34 islands and construction of 4,000 housing units financed by India are nearing completion. He further stated that the India’s flagship $500 million Greater Male Connectivity Project in Maldives would be expedited to catalyse the Maldivian economy.
The Indian MoS also hailed the Addu Development Project - Roads and Reclamation, which will help Maldives promote the city of Addu as a southern regional hub of the country. Furthermore, the MoS inaugurated two grant-in-aid projects to support the development of ecotourism zones in the city.
India is supporting 45 projects aimed at supporting the local community, the MoS explained in his interaction with the media. New Delhi has granted MVR 100 million ($6.5 million) to support High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) for the Maldives.
He also cited progress in the Gulhifalhu port project, which will facilitate the loading and unloading of international shipments. The state-of-the-art port is equipped to cater to 400,000 shipping containers annually.
Additionally, Muraleedharan announced plans to expand the scope and scale of the facilities of the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO). India is assisting MIFCO in setting up fish processing plants at two Maldivian islands.
Delighted to inaugurate Hulhudhoo eco-tourism zone in Addu City 🇲🇻 with FM H.E @abdulla_shahid & Mayor @AdduCityCouncil @DhekunuNizar.
— V. Muraleedharan (@MOS_MEA) June 4, 2023
Pleased to see people using the tourism zones developed under GoI grant assistance. pic.twitter.com/6uFNNxSpxX
India-Maldives Special Relationship
The Indian government has also supported the island nation in improving its health facilities. India has agreed to set up a cancer speciality hospital in Laamu Atoll soon.
During his visit, Muraleedharan also handed over a batch of Tuberculosis medicines at the request of the Maldivian government.
In the press statement, the MoS outlined Indian support for the capacity-building programme in the island nation. He added that India had trained over 1,000 Maldivian nationals through capacity-building programmes last year alone.
The Maldives remains a strategically important partner in the Indian Ocean, with Indian PM Narendra Modi’s government pursuing the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy to woo the Maldives away from China.
India is Maldives’ second-largest trading partner. Since 2018, Indian exports to Maldives have grown substantially to touch $498.74 million last year.