Maldives and India Sign MoU for High-Impact Community Development Projects
The governments of Maldives and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday to launch the third phase of High-Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), aimed at benefiting communities at the grassroots level.
The MoU was formalised following a bilateral meeting in New Delhi between Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar.
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According to the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions encompassed all aspects of the bilateral partnership, focusing on priority areas outlined during Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.
FM @abkhaleel had a productive meeting with his counterpart, MEA @DrSJaishankar during his Official visit to #India today.
After the meeting, Ministers signed the HICDP MoU, launching the Third Phase of project-based cooperation between 🇲🇻 &🇮🇳
📃 | https://t.co/i4xjPFvzHw pic.twitter.com/n11qCARvL6— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) January 3, 2025
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation, both bilaterally and within international forums, on issues of mutual interest. They acknowledged the robust economic partnership between the two countries and reviewed progress on ongoing projects facilitated by Indian grant assistance and lines of credit.
Dr Khaleel expressed gratitude on behalf of the Maldivian government for India’s support in addressing current fiscal challenges. He also highlighted the strong collaboration in enhancing trade, investment, and broader economic ties, as well as India’s significant role in advancing the Maldives’ socio-economic development.
The overarching MoU regarding the HICDPs was initially signed on 17 March 2019 with a budget of MVR 85 million. It was later renewed twice, increasing the allocation to MVR 155 million on 23 July 2021. In January 2023, an additional MoU was signed, providing grant assistance of MVR 100 million under the scheme.
Dr Khaleel’s current visit marks his first official trip to India since assuming office as Foreign Minister on 30 September 2024, following his tenure as Health Minister.
The meeting also served to underline the importance of exploring new avenues to strengthen the Maldives-India partnership, particularly in light of challenges in recent months.
Relations between Malé and New Delhi had become strained early in President Muizzu’s administration after he called for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, fulfilling a key campaign promise. Tensions were further exacerbated when three Maldivian deputy ministers made controversial remarks regarding India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly distanced itself from the remarks, emphasising that they did not reflect the government’s views. The three junior ministers were subsequently suspended, with two – Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef – resigning from their posts.
Despite the earlier discord, both governments have expressed a strong desire to maintain positive relations. High-level exchanges and consistent dialogue have contributed to stabilising ties between the neighbouring nations.
