There has been a renewed vigour in the friendly relations between India and Maldives, PM Modi said

New Delhi has been and will continue to be the "first responder" to any need or crisis facing the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he met visiting Presidential of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in New Delhi.

"In the last few years, there has been a renewed vigour in the friendly relations between India and Maldives, our closeness has increased. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our cooperation is taking the form of a comprehensive partnership," Prime Minister Modi said in his statement welcoming President Solih.

The two countries signed six agreements to expand cooperation in key areas. India has also decided to extend a USD 100 Mn new Line of Credit to finance infrastructure projects in Maldives. The Government of Maldives had requested for this new LOC to fund the revised costs of existing projects being considered under existing GoI LOCs. It will also allow inclusion of additional projects.

Prime Minister Modi said he had extensive discussions with President Solih on a number of topics. "We reviewed all the dimensions of our bilateral cooperation, and also exchanged views on important regional and global issues," he said.

The two leaders welcomed the launch of the Greater Male connectivity project, which will be the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives. "We also reviewed projects for the construction of 4000 social housing units in Greater Male today. I am happy to announce that we will additionally provide financial support for 2000 social housing units," Prime Minister Modi said in his statement.

Describing the threat of trans-national crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean as serious, Prime Minister Modi said close contact and coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region.

"We have increased our cooperation against all these common challenges. It also includes capacity building and training support for Maldivian security officials. I am happy to announce that India will provide 24 vehicles and one naval boat for the Maldives Security Force. We will also cooperate in building police facilities in 61 islands of Maldives," the Prime Minister pointed out.

"Today, the India-Maldives partnership is not only working in the interest of the citizens of both the countries but is also becoming a source of peace, stability and prosperity for the region," PM Modi said in his statement.