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India, Maldives sign four MoUs to boost ties
Why is it in news?
- New Delhi and Male signed four agreements, including a $100 million Indian grant for an ambitious connectivity project, during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s visit to the Maldives.
Details:
- The MoUs are part India’s “$500 million package” for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP).
- Last month, the two governments inked a deal for a $400 million line of credit from the Exim Bank of India.
- Amid New Delhi’s growing concern over China’s growing influence in the region, the ties with the Maldives have remained under sharp focus.
- India first policy:
(1) The government of India appreciated the government of President Solih for its ‘India First’ foreign policy.
(2) This is reciprocated in full measure by our ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy in which the Maldives enjoys a very special and central place.
- Further, India reiterated its support for Maldivian Foreign Minister Shahid’s candidature for the Presidency of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in 2021.