Bengaluru: Cong once comes to power at Centre will help HAL aggressively, says Rahul

Agencies

October 13, 2018

Bengaluru, Oct 13: AICC President Rahul Gandhi today said that "we are here to help you as far as possible but we are in Opposition. But once we come to power and form the Government we will do it (help) more aggressively. I am here to learn more about the country's prestigious defence PSU and how it can be strengthened further."

Mr Rahul Gandhi, in his opening remarks at the interaction with HAL employees organised by HAL Welfare Forum here on Saturday, said that after Independence strategic entities were set up to help the country to prosper and of that IIT was set up for Education and HAL for production Defence Aircraft. The achievement of HAL, a strategic entity, since its establishment is tremendous.

"What you have done is tremendous. Former US President Barrack Obama had once mentioned that the biggest enemy for US is not China but India because of its achievement in Defence and economic sector," he added.

Mr Gandhi said that "We have come here to learn about your problems and since we are in Opposition try to help to solve them to possible extent but once we came to power and form the government I assure you that we will help to the maximum extent. But I have come here today to listen to your problems and opinions about the performace of this prestigious and country's one of the strategic industry."

Many Retired and present HAL employees, among others were present in the interaction.

Politicial leaders including Congress Leader in the Lok Sabha M Mallikarjun Kharge, KPCC President Dinesh Gundu Rao were among those who were present during the interaction.

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PM Modi vows to strengthen India-Maldives ties, inks currency swap deal with President Muizzu

News Network

October 7,2024

New Delhi: Seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, India and the Maldives on Monday inked a currency swap agreement to the tune of $400 million, a move that would help the archipelago nation overcome foreign exchange reserve issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.

Muizzu, who is on a four-day state visit, held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here.

After the talks, India also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.

"Today, we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now, the Greater Male Connectivity Project will also be expedited. We will also support the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi," Modi told reporters here with Muizzu by his side.

Modi said India and Maldives have decided to initiate discussion on the Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic ties.

The prime minister described Maldives as a "close friend" which had an important position in India's neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision.

"India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," Modi said.

Earlier, Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Modi was also present on the occasion.

Muizzu was given a tri-services guard of honour before he drove down the Rajghat to offer his respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

Muizzu won the presidential election last year on the 'India out' campaign and asked New Delhi to withdraw its military personnel posted in the archipelago nation by May this year.

The bilateral ties also hit a rocky patch when Maldivian ministers were critical of Modi. However, Muizzu has since toned down his anti-India stance and even sacked ministers who were critical of the Indian prime minister.

As the Maldives was grappling with a serious economic downturn, India has decided to extend vital budgetary support to the Maldives government with the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year.

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