This year has been a significant year for the India-Maldives relations, says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This statement was made during a ceremony held at the President’s Office on Wednesday evening, which saw the exchange of four important agreements between the governments of Maldives and India through video conferencing.
Speaking to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih through video conference, the Indian PM said that Maldives is always in the hearts and minds of India, going on to congratulate Solih on the first anniversary of his term, marked on 17 November.
Highlighting that 2019 has been a landmark year for democracy and development in the Maldives, PM Modi said that India’s neighborhood first and Maldives’ India-first policy has made bilateral cooperation in all sectors much stronger.
Implementing our decisions had prompted development to Maldives economy, infrastructure and capacity building. It is important that this progress has been active in areas of Maldives priority and requirements. Today, our fast interceptor craft was officially handed over to your coastguard. This advanced vessel had been constructed in Gujarat. It will help enhance Maldives maritime security and promote your blue economy and tourism. I am happy to note that the petrol vessel had been named “Kaamiyaab” which means success in Dhivehi as well as in Hindi”PM Modi
Shedding light on the importance the Maldives government made for the development of southernmost Addu city, PM Modi added that India is “happy” to partner through high impact community development projects for supporting livelihood of the island communities.
Further, he touched on the key aspects of the close ties between India and Maldives, which he described to be people-to-people contact.
Additionally, the tourist figures from India have “more than doubled” in the Maldives, with India having moved to the second position from fifth, within the past few months. Three direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore began this week as well, said PM Modi.
Rupee payment mechanism will further ease the travel of Indians to Maldives. I’m glad that this has been launched through the Bank of Maldives. Today we also dedicated LED street lighting to the people of Malé. India is very happy to bring them benefits of this environment-friendly lights. They will also save 80 percent of costs. We are also working to build a cancer hospital and a cricket stadium in Hulhumalé. I’m informed that work on the water and sanitation project in 34 islands and reclamation work in Addu will begin soon”PM Modi
The Indian PM went on to add that projects under the Indian grant assistance will bring “even more benefits” to the people and government, within the coming year.
He expressed India’s commitment to continue partnering with Maldives for development and democracy, as a close friend and maritime member.
We will also enhance our cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian ocean region. Excellency, I look forward to meeting you in Delhi. I convey warm wishes to the friendly people of the Maldives for peace and prosperity.”PM Modi
