India and Maldives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of the third phase of High Impact Community Development Projects HICDP in Maldives.
The HICDP will be implemented with grant assistance from the Indian government.
The MoU was signed in New Delhi today during the visit of the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel who is the first diplomatic visitor to India in the New Year.
Dr Khaleel is on an official visit to India from January 2 to 4.
An MoU between India and Maldives regarding grant assistance of MVR 85 million for implementation of HICDPs through local bodies was signed in March 2019 during the two-day visit of the then External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, to Maldives.
The MoU was revised in July 2021 to enlarge the grant assistance to MVR 155 million.
In January 2023, MoU for additional grant assistance of MVR 100 million for the HICDPs scheme was signed.
During his visit to the northern atolls of Maldives in January 2023, External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar had witnessed the handover of two sea ambulances to the Defence Ministry Maldives.
This project was carried out under the HICDP Scheme.
Likewise, during an official visit to Maldives in June, 2023, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan participated in the inauguration ceremonies of three eco-tourism zones, developed under HICDPs scheme, in Addu City.
He also witnessed the exchange of 10 MoUs under the second phase of HICDP.
A month later, during an official visit to India, the then Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid alongwith Dr Jaishankar witnessed the exchange of nine MoUs related to High Impact Community Development Projects.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, a total of 47 HICDPs have been undertaken, out of which eight have been completed and inaugurated.
Dr Khaleel’s visit to India a little over three months following his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, is aimed at following up on the progress made during the October State visit of President Muizzu and assessment of the development partnership.
His visit is part of continued high-level engagements between the two sides, the MEA said.
The MEA further said that Dr Khaleel’s visit has provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of two countries and the Indian Ocean Region.
The two sides also followed-up on issues that need further focus.
Welcoming the Maldivian Foreign Minister and the delegation, Jaishankar said, ” You are my first official diplomatic visitor for this year. So, you are doubly welcome.”
The External Affairs Minister said that the framework to promote local currencies for cross-border transactions has been signed.
“We have increased our engagement in various sectors.”
At the same time, Dr Jaishankar said, ” There is certainly much more that we need to do.”
He went on to say that India has always stood by Maldives.
“You are a very concrete expression of our Neighbourhood First Policy, ” Jaishankar told his Maldivian counterpart.
The Maldivian Foreign Minister appreciated the timely emergency financial assistance extended by India to Maldives in times of need, reflecting India’s role as the “First Responder” of Maldives.
Dr. Khaleel reaffirmed the firm commitment of President Muizzu and the Government of Maldives to work closely with the Indian government in realizing the Joint Vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said that India will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives’ progress and prosperity, in line with our Neighbourhood First policy and vision SAGAR (Security And Growth For All In The Region).
The External Affairs Minister said, “Discussed our development cooperation and economic, security, fintech and people to people ties.”
He also mentioned signing the agreement on implementing the next phase of High Impact Community Development Projects HICDP in Maldives.
