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New Delhi
As India's interim Budget announced allocation of ₹770 Crore to Maldives, cash-strapped Pakistan on Thursday (Feb 1) also assured the South Asian archipelago that it will address the "pressing development needs" of the island nation.
During a telephone conversation with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar reportedly discussed ways to fortify the bilateral ties between the two nations, the President's Office said in a press release.
Muizzu has also "been assured of the support of the Pakistani government to address the pressing development needs of the Maldives," it said.
The Pakistani caretaker prime minister also conveyed his support and assistance to the Maldives' efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, the release said.
The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Pakistan on July 26, 1966.
India-Maldives ties: The increase in aid and talks in New Delhi
A high-level delegation from the Maldives has arrived in New Delhi amid the ongoing discussions between the two nations over the presence of Indian military personnel in the island nation.
Also read | Indian interim Budget figures show increased allocation to Maldives at ₹770 crore
The core group was formed following Maldives President Muizzu's demand for the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country. The pro-China president recently came to power over an 'India Out' plank.
Also read | Maldives delegation in Delhi ahead of core group meeting today
The Indian military personnel are present in Maldives to maintain Indian platforms for humanitarian purposes.
"Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions", says Indian Readout on 2nd India Maldives core group meeting in Delhi on presence of Indian military presence in Maldives. https://t.co/Xfq38ibEKU pic.twitter.com/St5X5WUWEK
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 2, 2024
Meanwhile, the increased allocation in India's interim Budget reaffirms New Delhi's commitment to expand major infrastructure initiatives and development projects in the Maldives.
India is supporting the country's biggest infrastructure project, the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).
Also watch | Maldives delegation in India for second core group meeting
New Delhi has kept ₹600 Crore for Maldives for the financial year 2024-2025, indicating that the support will continue.
From being the top country for the tourism sector in Maldives last year, India dropped to fifth position this January in the aftermath of the diplomatic spat between the two countries.
(With inputs from agencies)