The Indian government has granted MVR 1,998,206 to the Maldives, to refurbish the children’s center in the capital’s suburban district Hulhumalé.

The project is aimed at catering to the growing needs of foster care children aged between 0 – 13 years, including upgrading of the security system, strengthening functionality of the building, setting up two common rooms, and replacing the existing furniture among others.

The Indian embassy said that India is happy "to associate with such projects that have a lasting impact on the community," adding that "this is a small yet important token of Maldives-India partnership."

The foreign ministry said that the grant assistance was provided through India’s aid scheme to the Maldives agreed during the visit by the late Sushma Swaraj, then External Affairs Minister, in March this year.

The aim of the grant assistance is to conduct socio-economic development projects across the country.