The governments of India and the Maldives have today signed 7 Memoranda of Understanding that would see several developmental projects in the island nation.
The MOU signing ceremony was held at the Foreign Ministry today and MoUs were signed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid on behalf of the Government of the Maldives and the High Commissioner of India Munu Mahawar, on behalf of the Government of India, and the respective implementing agencies.
Speaking at the ceremony today, Foreign Minister Shahid noted that the projects launched under the MoUs will strengthen the Government’s efforts in fostering socio-economic development in local communities by promoting health and wellbeing, empowerment of youth, and preservation and protection of culture and heritage.
Minister Shahid also expressed his profound gratitude to the Government of India for the key role India plays in promoting the socio-economic development of Maldives.
The projects launched under the MoUs signed today are worth a total grant of 26.8 million Rufiyaa (MVR 26,802,328) (equivalent to approximately 1.7 million USD). The projects include establishing a mental health center at Addu Equatorial Hospital, a speech a therapy unit at Kulhudhufushi Regional Hospital, a prosthetics, and orthotics manufacturing workshop at Hulhumale Hospital, preservation of cultural places in Noonu Landhoo Maabudhuge and Thaa Dhiyamigili Ganduvaru, development of a multi-sports complex in Noonu Manadhoo and developing youth centers in Gaafu Alif Gemanafushi and Alif Dhaalu Dhigurah.
The overarching Memorandum of Understanding on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects through local bodies was initially signed between the Governments of the Maldives and India on 17 March 2019 for a total grant of 85 million Rufiyaa and renewed with an increment up to 155 million Rufiyaa (equivalent to approximately 10 million USD), on 23 July 2021.
The announcement to undertake seven new projects for implementation under this scheme was made during the Official Visit of the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar to Addu City last month.
