New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signed six agreements to expand the cooperation in key areas of development on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing in a briefing said that India will continue to be the ‘first responder’ for the island nation in any crisis. PM Modi further announced a credit line of $100 million for the completion and undertaking of developmental projects in the island nation in a time-bound manner.
PM Modi further added that “The threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking is serious in the Indian Ocean region. That’s why coordination between India and the Maldives in the field of defence & security is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region.”
PM Modi further announced financial support for 2,00 social housing units after reviewing projects of construction of 4,000 social units undertaken in Greater Male.
According to reports, the six pacts agreement between the two sides will facilitate development and cooperation in areas of cyber security, housing, disaster management and infrastructural development.
Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih lauded the efforts between the sides and added that “Maldives-India relationship goes beyond diplomacy. This visit is an affirmation of the close bond between our two countries.”
He further emphasized on the efforts of India towards Maldives by providing required “budgetary support, medical assistance & Covishield vaccine from India, our recovery after COVID would’ve been difficult.” He further added that “Unrestricted supplies of essential medicines to Maldives is evident of the strong bond we share.”
He further added that “Maldives will remain a true friend of India…Our relations with India will always be of highest priority,”.
(With Agency Inputs)