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
He is a rss feeded dog started bark again. No guts to earn by self confidence or by ability and now likcking desh drohi rss feet.
A shame and insult to mankind.
ask him how much money paid for the munaafiq. he is not muslim ,that is why barking .
If i speak logic, i would say suspend these stupid publicity stunt-men
Dear Reshma, i am sorry to learn that you are following this rotten egg. He is a waste in our community and we have kicked out him. He is shoe lickers of sangh parivar and i am sorry to say that if you too like it go with him. He has no right to give this comment. Madrasas are not his father's property. By the way this waste Rizvi is kicked out by his community also and even his parents are ashamed of giving birth to such a rotten egg. This rotten egg Rizvi is follower of Devil and has no respect to any one including hiw own parents. If you still praise him, i think you better consult any Doctor.
do his statements are based on any reports, muslims may agree... ISIS idealogy spread not thru madrasa education but online education without any proper guidance of ulemas (knowledgable person with islamic scriptures). proper Madrasa education may eradicate ISIS idealogy... these soulless shia idealogues with the help of zeonists , capitalists and fascists , want to promote ISIS.. that is reason , they are demanding to shut down madrasa system.
Yogi's slave. We cant excpet more than this from him
Well said sir. Should shut all madrasas
Bitter Truth
This man seems to be good. He told the truth. Should shut down all madrasas. They are injecting unwanted education
The Ashram from wherre you learned should be shut first. Because you are the number one criminal, corrupted, communal terrorist.
This fool should be hanged for his illogic statements.
Who the hell this creature Rizvi to talk about Madrasas. Are Madrasas run by his Father's help. Bull shit. Let him go to hell. He is chappa licker of sangh parivar and appeasing central Govt by giving illogic, illegal and unworthy statements criticisign Muslims only to hide looting of crores of rupees from wakf board. He is a thug and looter. He is not a Muslim and has no right to talk about Madrasas. This hate monger should be dragged out to street and garlanded with old chappals and shoes. He is kicked by his own community for his cheating them. He is being funded by sangh parivar for his wrong doings and illegal activities. Police should dig out his past history and income.
Add new comment