Malé: In a significant boost to India-Maldives relations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the Maldives’ largest water and sanitation project on Saturday, with India contributing USD 110 million towards the initiative. The project, which spans 28 islands across the archipelago, marks a milestone in the deepening ties between the two nations.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the President’s Office in Malé during Jaishankar’s three-day visit to the Maldives. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who attended the event, expressed profound gratitude towards India for its consistent support.
In a social media post, President Muizzu lauded India’s unwavering assistance, stating, “Happy to meet External Affairs Minister of India S. Jaishankar and participate in the official transfer of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of Maldives. I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for their steadfast support to the Maldives. Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen. It is bringing the two countries closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural ties.”
The water and sanitation project is part of a broader collaboration between the two nations aimed at enhancing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for Maldivians. The partnership between India and the Maldives has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, which prioritizes close ties with neighboring countries.
During the visit, Jaishankar also attended the transfer ceremony of the Addu reclamation and bank protection project, as well as the inauguration of the 4-lane Detour Link Road project. Both projects were developed with the assistance of the Indian government under a loan from Exim Bank.
“Maldives is an important partner for us in the Indian Ocean region. It is at the heart of our policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’. And so it is very natural that the cooperation between our two countries has moved beyond the traditional role and aspires to become a truly modern partnership today,” Jaishankar remarked at the ceremony.
The recent developments underscore the growing strategic partnership between India and the Maldives, which has expanded beyond traditional areas of cooperation to include modern infrastructure development and regional security.
As India continues to play a pivotal role in the Maldives’ development journey, the relationship between the two countries is poised to reach new heights, contributing to a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.
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