Agreements signed with India for key projects

The Maldives and India signed agreements on Wednesday to launch four key projects, including the development of three fish processing plants in the southernmost atoll.

The projects were launched via a live video conference by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The aid package includes a fast interceptor vessel gifted to the Maldives National Defence Force, LED streetlights gifted to the Malé City Council and the introduction of the RuPay Card to allow Indian visitors to use the debit card to make payments in the Maldives. The RuPay card can be used in local ATMs and POS machines as well.

According to the president’s office, neighbourhood fish processing factories will be built in the Hithadhoo, Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo and Maradhoo islands of Addu City.

The coastguard’s new craft Kaamiyaabu was handed over to Defence Minister Maariya Ahmed Didi as part of an agreement signed during her official visit to India in January.

Speaking via video link at the ceremony, Modi attributed the renewal of close ties to India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ foreign policy and the reciprocal ‘India First’ foreign policy of the Maldives.