Maldives and India on Friday signed the High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) MoU, launching the Third Phase of project-based cooperation aimed at directly benefiting people at the grassroots level.
The MoU was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel during his ongoing three-day official visit to India.
Before the signing Minister Khaleel held bilateral talks with his counterpart, Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Both sides engaged in discussions on all aspects of the partnership including priority areas outlined by the Leaders during the State Visit of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India in October 2024, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.
“Both Ministers expressed commitment to continue working closely together, bilaterally and in international fora, on priority areas of mutual interest,” the statement said.
During the official discussions held in New Delhi, both Ministers acknowledged the economic partnership and the progress of ongoing projects facilitated through Indian grant assistance and line of credit initiatives.
According to the statement, Minister Khaleel had conveyed appreciation from the Maldives government for India’s support and assistance to ease the ongoing fiscal challenges.
“The Minister also acknowledged the close cooperation in advancing economic, trade, and investment ties between the two nations, as well as for India's committed role in the socioeconomic development of the Maldives,” the Ministry said.
Both Ministers underscored the significance of exploring additional avenues to enhance the Maldives-India partnership, it added.
This is the first official visit by Minister Khaleel after assuming the post in September last year.
Maldives and India have witnessed improved relations in recent months aided by several high-level exchanges between the two friendly nations.