President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that the Maldives is interested in playing a more active role in regional affairs.
The president made the statement during a special ceremony held to initiate four key development projects between Maldives and India.
President Solih and Prime Minister Narenda Modi inaugurated the projects via a live video conference on Wednesday evening.
The president opened his speech by recognizing the Indian prime minister's personal commitment to bolstering ties between the two countries.
He went on to highlight the strong connection between India and the Maldives due to the geographical link between the two countries, claiming that ties between India and Maldives have fortified during joint efforts to preserve the safety and security of the Indian ocean that connects both the nations.
Likewise, he noted that the in-shore patrol vessel, Coast Guard Ship Kaamiyaab, gifted by the Indian government will be essential in protecting maritime borders and decreasing response time in emergencies.
President Solih further declared the establishment of fish processing plants in Addu is part of efforts to fulfill his electoral pledges. He explained that the fish processing plant will have a net result of increasing household income. Hence, he thanked the Indian government for their contribution to achieving these goals.
My government is committed to delivering people-centred growth that is inclusive and sustainable. One that delivers development to all the islands of the country. The MOUs on establishing fish processing plants in Addu, which were signed today, address a key pledge of my Government. The MOUs will contribute towards fetching better prices for fish, increasing fish purchase and processing capacity, and providing employment opportunities, which will in turn enhance household incomes. We appreciate India’s support towards realising these aims.President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Moreover, he emphasized the positive impact the introduction of the Rupay Card will have on the Maldivian tourism industry as it provides a more convenient payment option for Indian tourists and increases the likelihood of visits.
Additionally, President Solih addressed the issue of climate change, declaring that the Maldives is working towards “climate-smart resilient islands” by transitioning to renewable energy. He stated that the agreement signed with the Indian company, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, is a central component in achieving that objective.
We are pleased with the progress made under this MOU, in providing energy efficient-lights for all the streets in Malé. These efforts, though they may seem small, contribute in a big way, towards the larger goals of energy efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint.President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
In his concluding remarks, the president reiterated the Maldives' commitment to bolstering bilateral ties with India including fostering cooperation for maritime security and commercial prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
Furthermore, President Solih went on to state that the Maldives is interested in building ties, not only with India but within the entire Indian Ocean region.
I am happy to note that these agreements are occurring within a broader context of the Maldives’ deeper and more frequent diplomatic engagement with not only India but with the Indian Ocean Region as a whole. As one of the newest members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association – or IORA - the Maldives is interested in having a greater voice in regional affairs. I look forward to working with the Indian government in the near future to strengthen regional collaboration towards maritime security and commercial prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.President Solih
Since President Solih's government took over in November 2018, relations with India have been observably and equally improving. This is evident by the numerous agreements and projects initiated by the two countries within the past year.
As such, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's inauguration last November, and Solih's maiden trip abroad was to India.
