Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, has said development projects funded by India in the Maldives have been well received by local communities.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, the High Commissioner described the Maldives as a close partner and said India continues to prioritise support for the country under its neighbourhood-first policy.
He outlined India’s development assistance as falling into two broad categories: large-scale and small-scale infrastructure projects. Among the major initiatives, he cited the ongoing Thilamale’ Bridge project, the development of Hanimaadhoo and Gan international airports, and road development project in Addu City, noting that these initiatives directly impact the quality of life of Maldivians.
High Commissioner Balasubramanian also highlighted India’s support for smaller, community-level projects, saying these efforts are designed to deliver direct benefits to citizens. He said India has provided more than USD six million for high-impact community development projects across the Maldives.
According to the High Commissioner, these projects, implemented in four phases have been positively received, reflecting strong public engagement with the development partnership between the two countries.
He also spoke of continued efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, pointing to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s official state visit to India in 2024 as a key milestone. The visit, he said, helped reinforce long-standing relations and chart a shared development path between the Maldives and India.