Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, undertook an important three-day visit to the Maldives from August 9 to 11, 2024. This visit followed a significant exchange earlier in June 2024, when Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu visited India.
The visit by Dr. Jaishankar symbolizes India’s deep commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the Maldives under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its ‘SAGAR’ vision. During this visit, a series of high-level discussions, key project inaugurations, and collaborative efforts were carried out, reflecting the strong bond between the two nations.
Overview
- Official Visit Duration: August 9 to 11, 2024.
- Purpose: Strengthening India-Maldives bilateral relations and reviewing ongoing projects.
- Context: Follows the recent visit of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India in June 2024.
- Focus Areas: India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR) vision.
Key Meetings and Discussions
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Meetings Held:
- Dr. S Jaishankar met with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer.
- Discussions focused on bilateral projects, especially the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP).
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Symbolic Gesture:
- Dr. Jaishankar planted a sapling in Lonuziyaaraiy Park as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and in support of the Maldivian 5 Million Tree Project.
Major Projects Unveiled
Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP):
- Objective: Strengthen connectivity between Malé and its neighboring islands (Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi).
- India’s Role: India is providing both engineering expertise and financial support for the project.
Water & Sanitation Projects
EXIM Line of Credit (LOC) Water and Sanitation Project:
- Coverage: Spans 28 islands in the Maldives.
- Budget: $110 million funded by EXIM LOC.
- Key Outcomes:
- Safe drinking water provided to 32 islands.
- Sewerage systems established in 17 islands.
- Solar energy integration for sustainable infrastructure.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The project contributes to Maldives’ climate resilience and development goals.
- Impact on Women: Alleviates the burden of fetching water, improving the lives of rural women.
High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs)
Six High Impact Community Development Projects:
- Focus Areas: Mental health, children’s education, and street lighting across various Maldivian islands.
- Key Projects:
- Mental Health Unit (MHU) in Ungoofaaru.
- Child Development Centre (CDC) in Kulhudhuffushi.
- Inclusive Education Support Units in Thinadhoo, Gan, and Dhidhdhoo.
- Streetlight installations in Thimarafushi, Veymandoo, and Kondey.
- Community Impact: Improves healthcare, education, and infrastructure in local communities.
India-Aided Infrastructure Projects in Addu City
Infrastructure Development in Addu City:
- Projects:
- Land reclamation and shore protection (184 hectares of land reclaimed).
- Construction of Hankede Bridge linking Gaukedi and Maradhoo.
- Road and drainage system redevelopment, valued at $70 million.
- Tourism Expansion: The reclaimed land includes the Maldives’ largest artificial beach in Hithadhoo, with plans for expanding tourism.
Economic Boost through UPI
Introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
- MoU Signed: Between India and the Maldives to introduce UPI.
- Economic Impact: UPI is expected to boost tourism by facilitating digital transactions, crucial to the Maldivian economy.
Capacity Building for Civil Servants
MoU for Training Civil Service Officers (CSOs):
- Renewed Agreement: India will train 1,000 Maldivian CSOs from 2024 to 2029.
- Objective: Enhance governance, public policy, and field administration in the Maldives, building on the successful training of 1,000 CSOs from 2019 to 2024.
- Overall Impact: Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives strengthens diplomatic ties, enhances community and infrastructure development, and supports sustainability and governance, reaffirming India as a vital partner in the Maldives’ progress.
Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives marks a milestone in the ever-evolving partnership between the two nations. By emphasizing infrastructure development, climate resilience, community welfare, and digital innovation, India and the Maldives are paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.
These collaborative efforts not only strengthen bilateral relations but also demonstrate India’s commitment to regional prosperity and stability. With projects set to transform lives across the Maldives, this visit underscores the potential for continued growth, mutual benefit, and deeper ties in the years to come.