The Government of Maldives and the Government of India have signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III, strengthening bilateral ties through community-focused development.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the launch of projects worth MVR 100 million under Indian grant assistance. These initiatives primarily aim to enhance ferry services across the Maldives, improve inter-island connectivity, and uplift community livelihoods.
The MoUs were signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian, with Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen signing on behalf of the implementing agency.
Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel praised India’s support as timely and aligned with the needs of the Maldivian people. He said the projects are more than infrastructure—they are vital to improving local communities and reflect the close bond between the two countries.
Transport Minister Ameen highlighted the rapid expansion of the nationwide high-speed ferry network, which now connects 81 islands across nine atolls. He added that with the new projects, the network—originally slated for completion in 2027—is expected to finish by the end of this year, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment.
Both ministers expressed appreciation to India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, for their continued support. They also acknowledged the efforts of High Commissioner Balasubramanian and his team in furthering Maldives-India relations.
The HICDP Phase III was announced during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and representatives from the Indian High Commission.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the launch of projects worth MVR 100 million under Indian grant assistance. These initiatives primarily aim to enhance ferry services across the Maldives, improve inter-island connectivity, and uplift community livelihoods.
The MoUs were signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian, with Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen signing on behalf of the implementing agency.
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
Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel praised India’s support as timely and aligned with the needs of the Maldivian people. He said the projects are more than infrastructure—they are vital to improving local communities and reflect the close bond between the two countries.
Transport Minister Ameen highlighted the rapid expansion of the nationwide high-speed ferry network, which now connects 81 islands across nine atolls. He added that with the new projects, the network—originally slated for completion in 2027—is expected to finish by the end of this year, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment.
Both ministers expressed appreciation to India, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, for their continued support. They also acknowledged the efforts of High Commissioner Balasubramanian and his team in furthering Maldives-India relations.
The HICDP Phase III was announced during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and representatives from the Indian High Commission.
