Asserting India to be the “first responder” to Maldivian needs, PM Modi announced an additional line of credit of USD 100 million.
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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday announced that India will assist Male with two naval vessels and USD 100 million as a line of credit. New Delhi is of the view that building coordination and cooperation on defence and security is a critical issue.
India has always been of the view that the peace and security of the entire region should be based on mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and cooperation wherever necessary. However, the presence of Chinese spy vessel, Yuan Wang 5, at the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka has raised some eyebrows.
Six agreements have been inked between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Maldavian counterpart, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. These agreements plan to enhance holistic cooperation on major areas of concern such as cyber security, accommodation and disaster management.
Addressing the media PM Modi said that India “has been and will” continue to be “the first responder” to any need or crisis faced by Male.
Solih, who arrived in India on Monday, for a four-day visit said that Maldives will always remain a “true friend” of India and its relationship with New Delhi will always be of “highest priority”.
Furthermore, supply of the second Landing Assault Craft (LCA) ship and a replacement vessel for a ship provided earlier to the Maldives National Defence Force, was also announced by India.
Moreover, India will be gifting 24 utility vehicles to the National Defence Force of Maldives along with providing assistance in building police facilities in 61 islands of the nation.
Additionally, USD 128 million will be reimbursed for the Hanimaadhoo airport project with a green signal for the commencement of tendering process of the USD 324 million Gulhifalhu port development project.
New Delhi has also announced approval to carry out the feasibility report and financial closure for a USD 30 mn cancer hospital project and USD 119 million “buyer’s credit financing” by Exim Bank of India for additional 2,000 social housing units in Hulhumale.
In return, with a view to boost trade, Maldives announced providing duty free tuna export. In a joint statement both Maldives and India have agreed to energise cooperation for maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean. They also dealt with talks on progress made in the pre-construction phase of the Coast Guard Harbour at SIFAVARU.
“Recognising that the security of India and the Maldives are interlinked, the two leaders reiterated their assurance to be mindful of each other’s concerns on the security and stability of the region; and to not allow their respective territories to be used for any activity inimical to the other,” said the joint statement.
