Asserting that Maldives holds a special place in the 'Neighbourhood First' policy of India and its SAGAR vision, PM Narendra Modi said on Monday that both countries have adopted a comprehensive, economic and maritime security partnership vision to give strategic direction to mutual cooperation.
The two immediate neighbors have also agreed to discuss the Free Trade Agreement and would work on settling trades in local currency, Prime Minister Modi revealed while addressing the media jointly with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu at the Hyderabad House on Monday. "India has always played the role of 'First Responder' for Maldives.".
Be it meeting the needs of essential commodities for the people of Maldives, providing drinking water during a natural disaster, or providing vaccines during Covid, India has always fulfilled its responsibility as a neighbour," said PM Modi. Citing centuries-old ties between the two countries, the Prime Minister maintained that India is Maldives's closest neighbour and the closest friend.
Several agreements were signed during the very comprehensive discussions the two leaders had to further deepen ties in a range of areas, including development partnership, energy, trade, financial linkages, and defence cooperation. "Today we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now the Greater Male Connectivity Project also will be expedited. Support will also be provided for the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi.".
Today, over 700 social housing units constructed with Indian support have also been transferred. Connecting India and Maldives through UPI also will be done," said PM Modi. Speaking to the media, the Prime Minister said that the two nations will strive for a "brighter future" together. The two countries agreed on adopting the India-Maldives vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
On its part, the Indian government would also refit Maldives Coast Guard Ship Huravee for free. The two leaders also launched RuPay Card in Maldives, but that is not all. The leaders inaugurated the new runway of Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HIA) and also handed over 700 social housing units built under EXIM Bank's Buyers' Credit facilities.
Earlier, a ceremonial welcome was accorded to Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On arrival, a 21-gun salute was conferred on Muizzu and he also inspected the Guard of Honour at the ceremony where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi were present. After the welcoming ceremony, the visiting President went to Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
On Monday, he will later in the afternoon meet Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and President Murmu. The Maldives President will also be visiting Mumbai and Bengaluru on Tuesday for his business engagements.
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