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.
Comments
As he is journalist, he might have some sense.
We Muslims have the guidance from our prophet (Peace be upon him) in all aspects of our life.
Kuffar of Makkah, Taif have hurted him, troubled, though suffering lots of troubles he has set example of not retaliating them. He has slowly convinced what is true message, what is truth in it.
As he is journalist, it is not difficult to convince him the message of Islam. Usually most of the journalists are brave and they remain strong with truth. He is also from Kodagu. Try to meet him and debate with him on Islam. If Allah bestows him Hidayat, he might understand true message of Islam and accept it. We have example of Omer Bin Khattab - may Allah pleased with him.
"Madiddunno maaraaya" gaade maathu tilidirabeku
still 80% majority dogs in forest think that 17% lion will kill them one day..he is scared now!!!LOL
dont hurt any religion, all are good but people who become manager of god are very vrey bad.
if you want to do money, do in good way not by spilling venom about other religion. even if road cleaning also, that you will earn respect in front of GOD.
Assure God faith peace loving people will never do such threats. This is pre-plan and this fellow was tapped in the net. Now facing life threat by his in house people. This is their HQ conspiracy to destabilize the las and order and innocent publics normal life. After their god fther recent city visit their groups noted leaders are now in full pledge with their criminal mind set. All peace loving Kannadiga including Mr.Thammaiah and his family has to be carefull.
Such criminl incidents will appear more and more till 2019 election.
If you are a true follower, Nobody can hurt religious sentiments. Unwanted issue. He should be released. and he need protection also
He should be punished properly. He hurt religious sentiments and some media supported to that. They hid real facts.
Fake. Media worked for him. Now he cooked up new story
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