India and Maldives signed six agreements to expand cooperation in a number of key areas with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that New Delhi has been and will continue to be the “first responder” to any need or crisis facing the island nation.
After comprehensive talks with Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Maldivian President, Modi announced a Line of Credit of $100 million for the neighbouring country for the achievement of development projects in a time-bound manner.
“We also reviewed projects for the construction of 4,000 social housing units in Greater Male. I am happy to announce that we will additionally provide financial support for 2,000 social housing units,” he said in his statement.
The prime minister said the threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking is serious in the Indian Ocean and close India-Maldives ties were vital for peace in the entire region. He said the India-Maldives partnership is not only working in the interest of citizens of both countries, but it is also becoming a source of peace and stability for the entire region.
The six pacts between the two sides will facilitate cooperation in capacity building, cyber security, housing, disaster management and infrastructure development in the Maldives. Modi said “In the last few years, there has been renewed vigour in the friendly ties between the two countries. Our closeness has increased”, he added despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, the cooperation between the two countries is taking the form of a broad partnership. Solih said both sides reiterated their firm commitment to deal with the threat of terrorism. He said “Maldives will remain a true friend of India, our relations with India will always be of highest priority”.
