Maldives and India Sign 13 MoUs Under HICDP Phase III

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In a significant step towards deepening bilateral cooperation, the Government of Maldives (GoM) and the Government of India (GoI) have signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III, supported by Indian grant assistance.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marks the launch of projects worth a total of MVR 100 million. These initiatives are aimed primarily at enhancing ferry services, boosting connectivity, and improving community livelihoods across the Maldives.

The MoUs were signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Indian High Commissioner Mr. G. Balasubramanian, with Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen signing on behalf of the implementing agency.

In his remarks, Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel praised India’s continued support as “meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with the real needs of the Maldivian people.” He emphasized that the projects go beyond infrastructure, serving as lifelines for local communities and reflecting the enduring friendship and shared aspirations between the two countries.

Transport Minister Ameen highlighted the government’s commitment to delivering a nationwide high-speed ferry network, which has already connected 81 islands across 9 atolls. He noted that thanks to the support provided under these new MoUs, the project—originally scheduled for completion in 2027—is now expected to be completed by the end of this year, demonstrating President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s dedication to accelerating national development.

Both ministers expressed deep gratitude to the Government of India, with Dr. Khaleel thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal commitment to the Maldives-India partnership and extending appreciation to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and High Commissioner Balasubramanian for their efforts in strengthening bilateral ties.

The announcement of HICDP Phase III was made during President Dr. Muizzu’s State Visit to India in October 2024. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both governments, reflecting the strong, multi-faceted relationship between the Maldives and India.