The MoUs were signed on Sunday.
New Delhi: After military conflict and the resulting tensions with Pakistan, India is taking a series of tough decisions against Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh. However, in the meantime, the Indian government has made a significant agreement with an important Muslim country. The government has signed 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Maldives.
These include projects for enhancing ferry services, expanding maritime connectivity, and improving community livelihoods with a grant of 100 million Maldivian rupees.
The MoUs were signed on Sunday, May 18 and they pertain to projects being implemented under the Indian grant assistance scheme – High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase-3.
The Maldives Foreign Ministry stated in a press release that the signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marking another milestone in the continuously strengthening partnership between the two countries.
The total grant amount for the 13 projects launched under this phase is 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa (approximately 550 million Indian Rupees). The High Commission of India in Maldives posted on X, ‘India and Maldives signed 13 memorandums of understanding on May 18 to enhance ferry services in Maldives with a grant of 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa under HICDP 3. India is pleased to partner with the Government of Maldives to enhance maritime connectivity for the people of Maldives.’
13 MoUs signed under the HICDP Phase III b/w Maldives and India, supported by generous grant assistance of MVR 100 million. These will enhance Ferry services, for an equitable development across Maldives. A testament to the growing partnership b/w🇲🇻&🇮🇳 @MEAIndia@HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/ncZ1XzzZ4j
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) May 18, 2025
MoUs signed between the Maldives and India to implement thirteen projects under High Impact Community Development Scheme Phase III
📃 Press Release | https://t.co/TUQYvE71Kc pic.twitter.com/rC2BJBwq8X
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) May 18, 2025
On behalf of the Government of Maldives, Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner to Maldives G. Balasubramaniam signed the memorandums. It is worth mentioning that last year, relations between India and Maldives soured when a Maldivian minister made comments against PM Modi. Subsequently, Indians boycotted Maldivian tourism. However, later the Maldivian government responded to the entire matter by apologizing.
