Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmahniyam Jaishankar has expressed commitment to further accelerate the ongoing projects under the collaboration between Maldives and India.

He said this during a courtesy call paid on the President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday, at Hotel ITC Maurya in New Delhi, India.

The meeting saw both men discussing the exemplary bilateral ties between Maldives and India and shedding light on the strong mutual resolve to further strengthen close cooperation in areas of mutual interests.

Further, the Maldivian President and India’s EAM went on to shed light on the projects in the Maldives that are being carried out with the assistance of the Indian government.

Discussions revolved around the Greater Malé Connectivity Bridge Project, the social housing development project, and the Addu City Police Academy, among many others.

India’s EAM highlighted that the projects have been progressing swiftly and expressed commitment to further accelerate the efforts.

Expressing gratitude to the Indian government for its aid in the socioeconomic development of the island nation, President Solih assured India’s EAM that Maldives will uphold the ‘India First’ policy.

The president expressed appreciation for India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which greatly paves the way for benefits for the Maldives.

President Solih, accompanied by a high-level delegation of government officials, is currently on an official visit to India.

His four-day visit comes upon an invitation from the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.