India To Extend Additional Financial Assistance To Maldives, Says EAM Jaishankar

Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka to further expand bilateral engagement with India's two key maritime neighbours.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached Maldives on Wednesday on his fourth visit to the island country after assuming office in 2019

Source : Twitter/@ANI

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a diplomatic visit to Maldives, on Thursday said that India through its grant assistance has supported around 45 projects on the island country, spread across 16 atolls and 36 islands, adding that India will extend additional financial assistance of MVR 100 million to the nation.

"India is supporting through grant assistance, 45 such projects spread across 16 atolls and 36 islands. 23 of these projects have already been completed. A new project, for the development of a sports complex in Gaaf Dhaalu Gaddhoo was added yesterday," EAM Jaishankar said at the inauguration of the India-funded Community Centre in Foakaidhoo, Maldives.

 

He further stated, "India will be extending a further MVR 100 million to take on additional community welfare projects just like this, in other parts of the Maldives."

 

Jaishankar is on a three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka to further expand bilateral engagement with India's two key maritime neighbours.

 

He reached Maldives on Wednesday on his fourth visit to the island country after assuming office in 2019. He was warmly welcomed by Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid.

 

Jaishankar along with Abdulla Shahid today inaugurated the India-funded Community Centre in Foakaidhoo.

 

Jaishankar said, "this Community Centre is an excellent example of the quality social infrastructure that is being created across Maldives under the India-Maldives development partnership."

 

He also paid homage to Sultan Mohamed Thakururufaanu, a revered national hero of the island nation at his Memorial Centre today.

 

Jaishankar stated that the struggle of the Sultan is a reminder to continue his commitment to national development.

 

"Paid homage to Sultan Mohamed Thakururufaanu, a revered national hero of the Maldives at his Memorial Centre. His struggle is a reminder of a shared history and a continuing commitment to national development," Jaishankar tweeted.