India and Maldives Strengthen Ties with Inauguration of Community Development Projects

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer officially inaugurated several high-impact community development projects in Male on Friday, signaling a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. The event also marked the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors.

In a productive session, Jaishankar and Zameer engaged in discussions covering a broad agenda. The focus was on development partnerships, capacity building, bilateral and regional security, trade, and digital cooperation. Highlighting the outcomes of the discussions, Jaishankar shared on X, “Held productive discussions today with Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer in Male. The agenda covered our engagement in development partnership, capacity building, bilateral and regional security, trade and digital cooperation.”

The highlight of the day was the inauguration of six high-impact projects, which included initiatives in street lighting, mental health, children’s speech therapy, and special education. The projects are located across various islands: the Mental Health Unit in R. Ungoofaaru; the Child Development Centre in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi; Inclusive Education Support Units in GDh. Thinadhoo, L. Gan, and HA. Dhidhdhoo; and street lighting in Th. Thimarafushi, Th. Veymandoo, and GA. Kondey. These projects are expected to directly benefit the communities by improving living conditions and enhancing overall well-being.

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Jaishankar also witnessed the signing of a crucial MoU between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives. This agreement focuses on the introduction of a digital payment system in the Maldives, aiming to modernize and streamline financial transactions.

Additionally, Jaishankar welcomed the renewal of the MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Civil Services Commission of the Maldives. This renewed agreement will facilitate the training of an additional 1,000 civil service officers, further strengthening the governance framework in the Maldives.

Reflecting on the achievements of the day, Jaishankar added, “Welcome renewal of MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance and Civil Services Commission on the training of an additional 1,000 civil services officers. Look forward to my meetings and discussions tomorrow.”

On the other hand, Minister Moosa Zameer highlighted the significance of these initiatives in a post on X: “Another milestone in India’s commitment to community empowerment in Maldives! Proud to jointly inaugurate with H.E. @DrSJaishankar six High Impact Community Development Projects completed under Indian grant assistance. These projects — Mental Health Unit in R. Ungoofaaru; and the Child Development Centre in HDh. Kulhudhuffushi; Inclusive Education Support Units in GDh. Thinadhoo, L. Gan and HA. Dhidhdhoo; and, street lights in the islands of Th. Thimarafushi, Th. Veymandoo and GA. Kondey — is directly linked to the communities of these islands. These projects enrich the lives of the people and also enhance the well-being of the respective communities. The inauguration today highlights India’s dedication to advancing socioeconomic development in the Maldives.”

Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives, runs from August 9 to 11.