India to implement community development projects in Maldives

India will implement community development projects in Maldives, following a meeting of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel, who is on a two-day visit to India, in New Delhi on Friday.

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Jaishankar said, "Discussed our development cooperation and economic, security, fintech and people-to-people ties. Also signed an agreement on implementing the next phase of high impact community development projects (HICDP) in Maldives.”

He added that India “will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives’ progress and prosperity, in line with our neighbourhood first policy and vision SAGAR.”

The relations between India and Maldives continue to bolster with Khaleel’s arrival. In reaction to his visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “Working towards India-Maldives joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.”

The ties between the two countries have again flourished following Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu’s first bilateral visit to India in October last year. Earlier, in August last year following EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Maldives, Muizzu expressed gratitude for India’s assistance following New Delhi’s rollover of $50 million payment due. Muizzu also declared India as “true friend”.

In October last year, during Muizzu’s first bilateral visit, both the countries signed two currency swap agreements amounting to nearly Rs 6,300 crore to tide over the foreign exchange crisis in Maldives. Muizzu reiterated his “true friend” promise to India during the visit, which came 11 months after he rode to power in his country on an “India out” campaign. On assuming power, he had asked Indian military personnel to leave the nation and had opted to visit Turkiye and China — breaking away from the tradition of touring India first.

The successive visits of high-end leaders between the two countries shows the improved relations between the two countries after initial tensions following Muizzu taking over the country’s reins. Now, the focus between the two countries is on strengthening historic ties, debt relief, and economic cooperation.