Indian gov’t donates tractors to Maldives

The government of India has donated tractors to the Maldives.

Eight Massey Ferguson (HP 35) model tractors were gifted during a ceremony held at the President's Office on Friday, as part of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to the Maldives. Along with the tractors, 64 other vehicles were also donated.

It was highlighted at the ceremony that this is a grant aid provided by the Indian government under the India-Maldives Defense Partnership. Therefore, these vehicles will be used for the needs of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The vehicles will enhance MNDF’s capabilities.

India continues to play a vital role in supporting the Maldives across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, housing, and defense.

At a ceremony held in Malé, Prime Minister Modi handed over 4,000 housing units constructed under the Gedhoruveriyaa housing project initiated by former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The units were financed through a loan from India’s Exim Bank and are intended to address the Maldives' growing demand for affordable housing.

In addition to the housing project, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the Addu City road development project, along with several other infrastructure initiatives on islands across the country, all part of India’s broader assistance to support the Maldives' development goals.

While the India-Maldives relationship has faced political turbulence in recent years, including criticism and anti-India rhetoric during the previous administration's opposition, the continuation of these major initiatives reflects a commitment to strengthening ties and advancing shared regional goals.

During the previous administration, the then-opposition, including the current president, spread false narratives about the friendly relationship between the two countries, personally attacking and mocking Indian leaders.