India, Maldives sign 13 MoUs to implement projects under Indian grant assistance
The Hindu
India signs 13 MoUs with Maldives for ferry services, connectivity, and community development under HICDP Phase III.
India has signed 13 MoUs with the Maldives for enhancing ferry services in the island nation with an MVR 100 million grant, expanding maritime connectivity and uplifting community livelihoods.
The MoUs signed on Sunday (May 18, 2025) are for projects to be implemented under the Indian grant assistance scheme — High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking another milestone in the ever-strengthening partnership between the two countries, the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The 13 projects launched under this phase amount to a total grant of MVR 100 million (about ₹55,28,47,552), primarily aimed at enhancing ferry services in the Maldives, expanding connectivity, and uplifting community livelihoods, it said.
"Forging ties with Community Development. On May 18, India and the Maldives signed 13 MoUs for enhancing ferry services in the Maldives with an MVR 100 mn grant under HICDP III. India is happy to partner with GoM in enhancing maritime connectivity, a lifeline for the people of the Maldives," the High Commission of India in the Maldives posted on X.
The MoUs were signed by Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Maldivian government, and G Balasubramanian, the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives. Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, signed on behalf of the implementing agency.
During the ceremony, Mr. Khaleel emphasised that India’s assistance has always been meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with the needs of the Maldivian people, reflecting the enduring bond between the two countries.
He highlighted that the projects launched are more than just infrastructural developments — they are lifelines to communities, designed to address local needs and bring lasting socio-economic benefits.
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