Maldives and India has exchanged three significant Memorandums of Understanding, in various fields, expanding the cooperation between two countries.

A special ceremony was held on Wednesday, to exchange the agreements. The ceremony held in Manadhoo island of Noonu atoll was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid and the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar.

The ceremony saw, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar exchange the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Republic of Maldives and Government of India for additional grant assistance of 100 million Rufiyaa for the High Impact Community Development Project scheme.

A number of socio-economic development projects are planned to be implemented throughout the country under this funding.

Secondly, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding for development of a sports complex in Gaafu Dhaal Gadhdhoo. This project will establish a Centre which will promote youth empowerment through sports and contribute to the community development overall.

The last Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged between the Vice Chancellors of both Maldives National University and Cochin University of Science and Technology. The Memorandum of Understanding will enhance capacity building to facilitate exchanges and co-operative initiative between the two universities in the area of education, research, development instruction, community service, staff and student exchanges.

The Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar is in Maldives, on an official visit.

The Indian External Affairs Minister has held bilateral talks with the Maldivian Foreign Minister and exchanged views on their visions relating to development cooperation, tourism cooperation, human resource development, multilateral engagements, and consular affairs between both countries.

Minister Dr. Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit to the Maldives, in keeping with the renewed tradition of high-level exchanges between the two countries.