India, Maldives sign four MoUs

India and Maldives recently signed four agreements during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s visit to the Maldives.

In addition to two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for “high impact” community development projects, the countries signed an MoU on cooperation in sports and youth affairs and another for the $100 million grant, which is part of India’s “$500 million package” for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
GMCP will be the largest civilian infrastructure project in Maldives, connecting Malé (the capital) with three neighbouring islands — Villingili, Gulhifalhu (where a port is being built under Indian line of credit) and Thilafushi (new industrial zone) – by construction of a bridge-and-causeway link spanning 6.7 km.
Last month, the two governments inked a deal for a $400 million line of credit from the Exim Bank of India.

Amid New Delhi’s growing concern over China’s growing influence in the region, the ties with the Maldives have remained under sharp focus.
The MoUs are emblematic of the strong development partnership which is multi-faceted and designed to meet the specific requirements of the government and people of Maldives.
Indian Foreign Secretary said that India deeply appreciates the government of President Solih for its ‘India First’ foreign policy. This is reciprocated in full measure by India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy in which the Maldives enjoys a very special and central place.

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