The Minister of External Affairs of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has said that the relationship between India and Maldives is a modern relationship that will bring delightful changes to the lives of the people. He made the statement during the ceremony held to mark the completion and handover of the Hankede Bridge project and the land reclamation project of Addu City.
Speaking at the ceremony the Indian minister highlighted the aid of India in the development of Maldives and Addu City. Highlighting these aids, Jaishankar remarked that the relationship between India and Maldives has transformed into a modern relationship, that makes way for development that changes the lives of people.
Jaishankar noted that India, in recent years has spent USD 220 million on the development of Addu City and added that this reflects the priority given by the country to Addu’s regional development. He went on to note that 184 hectares of land has been reclaimed under the Addu land reclamation project. He also noted that the Addu road development project with good drainage systems is near completion.
Noting that these projects will facilitate domestic transportation and create more job opportunities in Addu City, Jaishankar stated that the project will also lead to economic growth with increase in business opportunities in the city. He also highlighted the Thilamale’ Bridge project will symbolise the strong relationship between India and Maldives and noted some of the major developmental projects being implemented in the Maldives with Indian assistance.
The Indian Foreign Minister concluded his speech by noting that the country gives high priority to human resource development along with infrastructure development. He added that the opportunities for employee capacity building have been greatly increased recently.