Stepping up to enhance bilateral relations; India to build police academy, convention centres for Maldives

Male, May 22: Enhancing relations with strengthening bilateral ties, the partnership between India and Maldives have emerged as successfully. Furthering close relations, India has stepped up in building two projects in Maldives. This move comes as a part of 100 million Maldivian rufiyaa grant aid announced during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March 2019.

 

The projects include Police Academy in Dhaalu Atoll and Convention Centre in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll. The total cost of both the projects will be $960,000. According to the statement given by Maldivian foreign ministry, "The purpose of Police Academy is to provide modern training to police officers, and the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform their duties efficiently and effectively."

 

"The aim of the grant assistance is to conduct socio-economic development projects across the country which are of high impact,'' Ministry added.

The visit of EAM Sushma Swaraj to Maldives in March, Maldives requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is currently looking into. However, the Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid met with a delegation from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) led by General Manager, Cricket Operations Saba Karim on Tuesday. There has been a number of high-level visits between the two countries since the new government came.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, 2018 followed by visits of Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Solih had that year itself.