President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih says the relationship between the two countries had been remarkable within the past four years.
He made the comments in the meeting with visiting Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at his office today.
Speaking at the meeting, President Solih fondly spoke of the long history of close cooperation between the neighbouring countries. He said the relationship between the two countries had been remarkable within the past four years, with numerous high-level visits and people-to-people contact.
The Minister expressed confidence in the continued partnership in defence cooperation between India and the Maldives, highlighting that the commissioning of the Coast Guard Ship ‘Huravee’ and the Landing Craft gifted during the Defence Minister’s visit would strengthen the Maldives’ capabilities in maritime security.
President Solih commended the remarkable progress achieved in the hydrography surveys being conducted with assistance from India. He then expressed gratitude to the government of India for providing the equipment to undertake the study.
The Defence Minister highlighted that three rounds of surveys had been conducted to support the Maldivian government's blue economy initiative. He then stated that the charts drawn up from the surveys have now been shared with the Maldives and assured India’s assistance in the periodic update of the charts.
Speaking further, President Solih expressed gratitude for India's continued aid and support to the Maldives in various sectors, noting that it is a testament to India’s special regard for the Maldives. He also conveyed the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening this relationship.
Concluding the meeting, the Defence Minister spoke about the progress of various developmental projects undertaken by India in the Maldives and assured India’s continued assistance and support to the Maldives.
