Ambassador of India to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir has revealed the cargo ferry between Kerala, India and Maldives will be ready for operations in two months.
Maldives signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India for the establishment of passenger and cargo services by sea during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Maldives last June.
Speaking to PSM News highlighting the close relations between India and Maldives, Ambassador Sudhir said the ties between the two countries have reached new heights since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih took office last November. He explained the ferry will be operational soon and the preparatory work is ongoing. He further detailed a team from Shipping Corporation of India have travelled to Maldives and completed detailed assessments on ferry operations.
The Indian ambassador expects operation of the ferry will enable a more convenient approach to importing goods. Sudhir further explained Maldives will be able to import goods at a more affordable rate than goods imported via Colombo and Dubai. He also expects Maldives to avail pharmaceuticals and vegetables cheaper and fresher.
While preparations for the ferry operations is underway, Maldives have also partnered with India to carry other projects in areas of health service, sports, defence and technology.