On December 4, 2019 the prime minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and the president of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih jointly inaugurated 4 key development projects in Maldives via video conference. The 4 projects are gifting of Made in India Coast Guard Ship(CGS) Kaamiyaab, which is a fast interceptor vessel, to Maldives, launch of RuPay card, lighting up of Malé using LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights, and launch of 3 fish processing plants. India also plans to undertake several High impact community development projects implemented by the Addu City Council in Maldives.
Other projects:
PM Modi also announced the govt’s work on building cancer hospital and cricket stadium in Hulhumale island of Maldives and also about the water and sanitation project in 34 islands to begin soon.
Key Points:
i.The CGS Kaamiyaab would help in enhancing the maldives’ maritime security, and also promote blue economy (use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods etc) and tourism. It was handed over to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It was constructed by L&T (Larsen & Toubro) in Gujarat.
ii.The launch of RuPay payment system in Maldives would enhance ease of travel for Indians travelling to Maldives. It was launched by the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Bank of Maldives (BML).
iii.In 2019, tourist arrivals from India to the Maldives have doubled and India has risen from 5th to the 2nd position in its tourism market. The RuPay payment system will enhance the people for smooth payment in the country.
iv.India recently donated 2,500 LED streetlights that had been installed in Male. This would save 80% energy.
v.The community projects are being implemented under the MoU signed during (former foreign minister) Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Maldives in 2019.
vi.The Indian government’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and the Maldives Government’s “India First” policies have strengthened bilateral cooperation in all sectors between the two nations. ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ which means giving priority to the Neighboring countries, addresses the need for regional integration in South Asia in the era of globalization.
About Maldives:
Capital- Malé.
Currency- Maldivian rufiyaa.
