India - Maldives jointly launch key development projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to the socio-economic development of Maldives in line with the priorities of the people and government of Maldives. Addressing a ceremony this afternoon to launch several projects in Maldives being implemented through Indian assistance, PM Modi underscored that the convergence of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and Maldives’s ‘India First’ policies have strengthened bilateral cooperation in all sectors. He spoke through a digital video conference while Maldives President Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih participated from Male and launched some of the important initiatives that were announced during last one year. These include the gifting of a ‘Made in India’ Patrol Vessel named "KAAMIYAAB” to the Maldives National Defence Forces, exchange of MoUs for setting up neighbourhood fish plants in Addu, MoU to launch the RuPay Card in Maldives and installation of LED streetlights in Male. Maldives President expressed his deep appreciation to India for its support to the development aspirations and security of Maldives and also conveyed his commitment to deepen cooperation and partnership with India. Both leaders agreed to work closely together to enhance cooperation for peace, prosperity and mutual security of India and Maldives and for the wider Indian Ocean region. India has extended a line of credit worth 1.4 billion US dcollars to Maldives after President Solih was sworn in last November.

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