Discussions held on establishing Indian consulate in Addu, Maldivian HC in Bangalore
Modi shed light on the significance his government gives to improving people-to-people connections with Maldives
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and PM Narendra Modi
Discussions have been held regarding the establishment of an Indian consulate in southernmost Addu City and a Maldivian high commission in India’s Bangalore.
This was revealed by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during their joint statement delivered following official talks, as part of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing five-day official visit to the neighboring country.
Delivering his statement, PM Modi highlighted that the relationship between Maldives and India is a long-standing historical one.
Noting that the relationship between India and Maldives is special considering the 'Neighborhood First' policy and regional connectivity, the Indian prime minister stated that both countries are significantly affected by climate change.
Modi went on to state that India has been the first responder to situations Maldives faces and that India has fully fulfilled its responsibility as a neighbor.
Highlighting that Maldives is India's closest neighbor, Modi shed light on the significance his government gives to improving people-to-people connections with Maldives.
Further, he stated that India holds Maldives close, adding that SBI has rolled over USD 100 million in Treasury Bills for the Maldives. Similarly, he stated that a USD 400 million currency swap agreement was finalized on Monday as per a request by the Maldivian government.
PM Modi shed light on the infrastructural assistance India has provided to Maldives and emphasized on projects like the Hanimaadhoo Airport.
Assuring that he would expedite the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, Modi said that India would provide assistance to build a commercial port in Thilafushi.
Modi added that the 700 social housing units built with Indian assistance have been handed over to Maldives, and water and sewerage projects have been completed in 28 islands of Maldives.
Further, the Indian PM said that work on such projects would continue across six more islands. Upon completion of these projects, clean water and proper sewerage systems will be provided to 30,000.
In his speech, PM Modi also said that work on the Agriculture Economic Zone would proceed with Indian assistance and that Maldives and India would collaborate in the field of oceanography.
In addition to this, he said that special attention would be given to digital connectivity, and in the future, the two neighboring countries would be linked through UPI.
