Government of India has announced financial assistance up to USD 1.4 billion will be provided to Maldives.
During the joint press statement delivered after signing four key documents, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi revealed USD 1.4 billion in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil the socio-economic development programmes will be provided for Maldives.
During the statement, Prime Minister Modi warmly recalled his recent visit to Maldives to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as his special guest, reiterating the highest importance India attaches to its relationship with Maldives. The Indian Prime Minister congratulated the people of Maldives for the successful and peaceful transition to democracy applauding President Solih on his vision for inclusive, decentralised, people-centric governance, and development that is sustainable. Recalling his government's policy of Neighbourhood-First, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's assurance of all possible support to Maldives in realising its aspirations for socio-economic development, and strengthening of democratic and independent institutions.
Moreover, Prime Minister Modi informed the decision by the Government of India to provide 1,0000 additional slots over next 5 years for training and capacity building in diverse fields including judicial, policing and law-enforcement, audit and financial management, local governance, community development, information technology, e-governance, sports, media, youth and women empowerment, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, art and culture. Recognising the importance of facilitating people-to-people exchanges and travel, the leaders welcomed the new Agreement on Visa Facilitation signed. The Prime Minister noted that the new agreement will address the common concerns and ensure that people-to-people contacts are enhanced. Maldives is one of the very few countries with which India has a visa free arrangement.
For his part, President Solih reaffirmed Maldivian government's India-First Policy and commitment to working together closely with India. The president further appreciated the generous assistance provided by the government of India and identified various areas for developmental cooperation, including private sector involvement in development of housing and infrastructure, water and sewerage systems in the outlying islands, healthcare, education and tourism. Furthermore, President Solih reiterated support for India's candidature for permanent membership of an expanded and reformed United Nations Security Council extending support for India's candidature for non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21.
Meanwhile, on a mutual ideology, both leaders emphasised the need to ensure seamless movement of people between both countries highlighting the need to improve connectivity between the two countries through the establishment of enabling infrastructure that would promote the exchange of goods and services, information, ideas, culture and people. The two leaders further agreed to strengthen cooperation to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean through coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information and capacity building.
In addition, the two leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and support for increased cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations both within the region and elsewhere agreeing to enhance bilateral cooperation on issues of common concern, including piracy, terrorism, organised crime, drugs and human trafficking. It was also agreed to intensify cooperation in the areas of training and capacity building of Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defence Force. Moreover, both leaders reiterated the importance of an effective multilateral system as a key factor in tackling global challenges.
President Solih invited the President of India to make a state visit to Maldives. He also invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a state visit to the Maldives, which he accepted.
President Solih is on a state visit to India on invitation of Prime Minister Modi.