India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives

India has reaffirmed its commitment to major infrastructure in the Maldivesas ties between the 2 countries see an uptick. Maldives Minister of Construction & Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib, Maldives Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen and Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar made an official visit to Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Site earlier this week. The project, developed with Indian support and assistance, is around 67 per cent complete.

Explaining how the project will help the country, Indian High Commissioner Mahawar said, "Hanimaadhoo International Airport project is a major infrastructure project that is being implemented with Indian support and Indian assistance in Maldives. This project will have a transformative impact for the entire northern region of Maldives. It will improve connectivity, it will boost tourism and it will also stimulate other economic activities."

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TheCeremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Redevelopment Project was done by EAM Jaishankar during a visit to Maldives in January 2023. The Indian High Commissioner pointed out that, "once this project is completed, it will be a shining symbol of India Maldives Development Partnership. It will also be yet another example of the capacity of Indian companies to deliver major projects."

India has been involved in 47 High Impact Community Development Projects in the Maldives, from the procurement of school buses to the development of outdoor gyms to the installation of Street Lights in the country. The biggest project which Delhi is supporting is the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which connects the capital Male to Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands through a series of bridges, causeways, and roads. It is funded through a separate USD 400 million LoC and USD 100 million grant from India.

India's reaffirmation comesas a turnaround in ties has been seen, especially with the recent visit of Maldives President Muizzu and Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India. Maldives President made a visit to India last month when he attended the oath-taking ceremony of PM Modi.