The Governments of India and the Maldives have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the USD 100 million grant for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project.
The MoU was signed on November 9, following the official visit of the Foreign Secretary of India Harsh Vardhan Shringla to the Maldives. The MoU was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid and the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir.
The MoU on the Greater Male’ Connectivity Bridge reflects the understanding between both governments on the implementation and financing of the largest infrastructure project to be executed in the Maldives. This project involves the construction of a series of bridges and causeways that amount to 6.7 kilometres long connecting Male’ to Vilingili, the industrial zone in Thilafushi, together with the newly proposed International Port at Gulhifalhu.
Furthermore, the MoU on Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs was also signed on November 9. The MoU seeks to increase training opportunities for aspiring athletes and coaches, as well as harness new skills and gain valuable experience, thus heightening the people-to-people connections between the Maldives and India.
Two other MoUs were also signed on November 9 to be implemented under the High Impact Community Development (HICDP) scheme. They include a project to construct an Agricultural Research Centre in Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and another to finance a component of the Drug Detoxification Centre to be built in Hulhudhoo of Addu City. Under the MoUs signed under the HICDP scheme, the Government of India will provide financial support of USD 111,150 for the project to establish an Agricultural Research Centre. The Government of India will contribute USD 518,300 towards the development of the Drug Detoxification Centre.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the MoUs reflect the steadfastness of the government in improving the socioeconomic wellbeing and public welfare, particularly in the areas of research, and community development sectors, as well as the empowerment of local communities.