Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has reiterated India is an important partner in the development of the Maldives. He made the remarks while speaking at the ceremony held to inaugurate Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Shahid said India's assistance in the Hanimaadhoo Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project, which was announced as the largest development project outside the Greater Male' Region, is a testament to the assistance and goodwill of the government of India. Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project is being funded by loan assistance from the EXIM Bank of India and includes major infrastructure and operational upgrades and building infrastructure to meet the future growth of traffic to the Maldives. The project was awarded to India-based JMC Projects Limited in September 2022 at a cost of USD136 million.
Noting numerous projects were being carried out across the country with assistance from the government of India, Minister Shahid described the neighbouring country as an important development partner of the Maldives. He said that the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project will have a positive impact on the entire economy of the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India attaches special importance to the development of neighboring countries. He said India has always given priority to the development of the Maldives, especially among the regional countries.
As per the Ministry of Economic Development, the project will be completed in 2024 and international flights will start operating directly to the north of the Maldives. The government has stated the completion of the project will result in an increase in tourist arrivals in the northern atolls, which will result in more job opportunities and benefit local businesses.
Hanimaadhoo International Airport is located on the island of Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll. The airport was upgraded in 2012 to cater to international flights.