Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday considered India as “one of the closest” allies and an “invaluable” partner, providing support and assistance whenever needed by the country. These remarks were made during a ceremony at the President’s Office to mark the completion of water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 Maldivian islands, funded by the Indian government’s Line of Credit Facility through EXIM Bank of India.
The Maldives president spotlighted that these projects would bring required economic benefits, boost local economies, and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. He noted that these initiatives are key milestones in strengthening the bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. During the event, Muizzu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the historic ties between the Maldives and India, as stated in a press release from his office, news agency PTI reported.
He expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government, and the people of India for their “generous and continued assistance” to the Maldives.
Muizzu also reflected on his recent visit to India for Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. He expressed appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.
‘Maldivians Deeply Value Ties With Indian People’: PMuizzu
The Maldives president highlighted the High Impact Community Development Projects under Indian Grant Assistance as a testament to the close collaboration between the two countries in socio-economic development. He mentioned that several transformative projects are currently underway, with plans to ease their implementation in Maldivian communities. He also expressed gratitude for the flexibility in restructuring the line of credit arrangement.
He underscored that the centuries-old friendship, mutual respect, and strong kinship have fostered the close relations between both nations. Maldivians deeply value these historic ties with the Indian people and are committed to preserving and enhancing them.
President Muizzu also expressed optimism about the future, expecting that Maldives-India cooperation will continue to thrive and evolve in the coming years.
He extended his appreciation to EAM S. Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the Maldives, for his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. Jaishankar’s visit marks the first high-level trip from India since President Muizzu, who is quite popular for his pro-China stance, assumed office last year.
Earlier, Jaishankar met with President Muizzu and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of both countries and the region.
