K. Male'
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13 Dec 2019 | Fri 17:36
Minister Shahid and Minister Jaishankar signing the agreed minutes for the 6th JCM
Minister Shahid and Minister Jaishankar signing the agreed minutes for the 6th JCM
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
India-Maldives
Two MoU's signed at the 6th JCM between Maldives and India
 
The 6th JCM was held on December 13th in India's capital city, New Delhi.
 
The meeting was co-chaired by the Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar
 
MoU's were on collaboration for Financial Intelligence Units of Maldives and India and between the Elections Commissions of the Maldives and India.

The government of the Republic of India and the Republic of the Maldives has exchanged two memoranda of understanding (MoU) at the 6th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between the Maldives and India held on Friday in India's capital city, New Delhi.

The two MoUs were on collaboration for Financial Intelligence Units of Maldives and India and between the Elections Commissions of the Maldives and India. Further, the two neighboring nations agreed upon the "Instrument of Ratification of the Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters".

The meeting was co-chaired by the Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, where both leaders appraised the headway made in the implementation of the two countries' agenda for bilateral collaboration.

Touching on the ongoing cooperation in the areas of security and defense between the two nations, the Maldives recognized the usefulness of CGS Kaamiyaab recently gifted by the Indian government.

Key infrastructure projects between India and Maldives were highlighted. This included projects such as the construction of the Composite Training Centre (CTC) for the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), and the Ministry of Defence Building, in addition to the installation of the Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS), as well as training programs for MNDF officials in India, joint exercises, medical camps, etc.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to tackling common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region such as terrorism, radicalism, and drug trafficking. Hence, the decision was made to pre-pone the date for the meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism and De-radicalisation. Further, both leaders assessed the ongoing construction of a police training facility in Addu city and efforts for capacity building in various fields, including forensics for police personnel.

In regard to the trade, investment, and economic relations, the significant rise in tourist arrivals from both sides in 2019 and the introduction of the RuPay mechanism by the Maldives was recognized as a positive forecast well for people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

While collaboration in the areas of renewable energy, agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy was identified as important sectors for bilateral ties, the implementation of MoUs on Hydrography and White Shipping was highlighted as a step forward in this avenue. Hence, it was determined that further co-operation will focus on meteorology through institutional linkages and joint research under the theme of the blue economy.

Amongst the progress reviewed included the USD 1.4 billion financial aid donated by India in December 2018 and the infrastructure projects implemented under the USD 800 million Line of Credit. Highlights include the USD 5.6 million High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) and the USD 6.9 million grant assistance projects launched in the Maldives. Members at the meeting determined to closely monitor these projects to achieve fast track the project via transparent processes.

In an effort to strengthen ties in the ICT sector, both sides agreed on the early extension of the National Knowledge Network (NKN) to the Maldives in order to strengthen academic, research and commercial ties between the two countries.

As for the health sector, an agreement was made to accelerate work on the construction of a Cancer hospital in Hulhumalé. Acknowledging the significant role played by Indian nurses in the Maldivian health sector, the recruitment of nurses from India was also discussed. India reiterated its commitment to provide continued support in meeting the requirements for trained personnel at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

During the meeting, the progress of the cricket stadium in Hulhumalé was reviewed and a decision was made to work towards signing an MoU on Youth and Community Empowerment in an effort to prioritize youth.

Visa facilitation agreements signed in the past year were also noted while both sides discussed consular matters and community issues.

Other projects deemed important for future development include the restoration of the Friday Mosque, the introduction of the Festival of India in the Maldives in 2020, and capacity building in the areas of skill development and vocational training.

The 6th JCM concluded with the next Maldives - India JCM being scheduled to be held in the Maldives in 2021.

Last updated at: 4 months ago
Reviewed by: Abdulla Naseer Ibrahim
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