The Maldives and India on Sunday signed 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) under a grant assistance scheme to implement high-impact community projects aimed at improving ferry services, expanding connectivity, and enhancing local livelihoods.
The MoUs, signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male’, fall under Phase III of India’s High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) initiative and are backed by a total grant of MVR 100 million.
Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel signed on behalf of the Maldivian government, while Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian represented New Delhi. Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen signed on behalf of the implementing agency.
Khaleel said India’s support “has always been meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with the needs of the Maldivian people,” describing the initiatives as “lifelines to communities” with lasting socio-economic impact.
The minister added that the successful implementation of the projects would “pave the way for even greater cooperation and shared progress, underscoring the spirit of friendship that defines Maldives-India relations.”
Transport Minister Ameen highlighted progress in establishing a nationwide high-speed ferry network, now connecting 81 islands across nine atolls, and said the latest MoUs would help expand services further. He noted the network, originally scheduled for completion in 2027, is now expected to be finalised by the end of this year—a goal he said reflects President Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment.
Both ministers thanked the Indian government for its continued support. Khaleel also expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “personal commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation” and to Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar for efforts to strengthen ties.
The announcement of HICDP Phase III followed President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October last year. Sunday’s signing ceremony was attended by senior Maldivian officials and representatives from the Indian High Commission.