India's Foreign Secretary concludes official visit to Maldives

Foreign Secretary of India Vinay Mohan Kwatra has concluded his official visit to Maldives.

The neighboring country’s Foreign Secretary departed Maldives on Monday afternoon, after concluding the visit which came upon the official invitation of Maldives’ Foreign Secretary, Ahmed Latheef.

As part of his visit, Foreign Secretary Kwatra paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as well as Former President and Current Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed.

During his call on President Solih, discussions were held regarding the unprecedented growth observed in the ties between Maldives and India.

President Solih praised the Indian Foreign Secretary’s extensive career in the diplomatic service.

The foreign secretary shed light on the Maldives’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and noted that it was exemplary, as the country has nearly restored its economy to pre-pandemic levels. Further, he noted that Maldives remains one of the most significant regional partners of India and assured that the government of India will continue to support several development projects in the Maldives.

The Maldivian president stated that India has “consistently” proven to be the closest friend of the Maldives. He also conveyed his gratitude to the Indian government for its continued support and assistance to the Maldives.

Discussions were also held between the Indian Foreign Secretary and the Minister of Defense and National Security, Mariya Ahmed Didi, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer and Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail.

These discussions were held on ongoing collaborations between Maldives and India.

The visit also saw the Indian Foreign Secretary holding a meeting with his Maldivian counterpart.

Further, the visit also saw the exchange of an agreement signed between the Government of Maldives and EXIM bank of India to extend USD 100 million Line of Credit for the purpose of facilitating the numerous ongoing infrastructure projects in the Maldives.

A sea vessel procured for the Maldives Correctional Service (MCS) under the 106 million Indian Grant Assistance scheme signed in March 2019, was also handed over at the ceremony.

In addition to this, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Foreign Secretary handed over 24 utility vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)

He also toured the site of the ongoing Greater Malé Connectivity Project to witness its progress.

The visit has been dubbed an overall success and a very productive and successful one, in which the dynamic and long-standing relationship between Maldives and India effectively grew stronger and closer.