External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has confirmed that projects initiated by the Indian government in the Maldives are progressing well. Jaishankar was speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2024 in New Delhi, India.
Jaishankar said that, while Indian-aided development projects faced minor political challenges, the work is now going well.
The minister said that after the meeting between him and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, progress had improved and engagement had been more constructive.
Zameer met Jaishankar during an official visit to India where the two diplomats discussed the acceleration of projects launched in the Maldives with loan and grant assistance from the Indian government. Discussions were held, according to officials, to ensure that Indian-aided projects are completed as soon as possible.
Upon conclusion of the meetings, the Indian government agreed to provide concessions for the repayment of the remaining US$50 million loan payment which had been taken on during the previous administration — a measured sign that relationships between the two nations are improving.
The Indian government agreed to delay the US$50 million payment, which was due to be made this month, by a year.