Expanding strategic footprints in the Southern Indian Ocean Region, India and Maldives signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) ; USD 100 million grant for the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) and sports and two other agreement to be implemented under the High Impact Community Development (HICDP) scheme.
The two countries also signed to construct an Agricultural Research Centre in Hanimaadhoo and another to finance a component of the Drug Detoxification Centre to be built in Hulhudhoo of Addu City.

The MoU on Cooperation in Sports and Youth Affairs seeks to increase training opportunities for aspiring athletes and coaches, as well as harness new skills and gain valuable experience, thus heightening the people-to-people connections between the Maldives and India.

LEARNING FROM HOME/ WITHOUT CLASSES/ BASICS

Maldives is strategically located in the Indian Ocean. It is just about 700 km away from the southern coast of India. It is strategically located along major sea lanes in the Indian Ocean. A significant portion of world trade takes place through the Indian Ocean. All the energy supplies coming from Gulf nations pass through this area.

As close and friendly neighbours, India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy cordial and multi-dimensional relations. India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country. India established its mission at Malé in 1972.

India is a leading development partner of Maldives and has established many of the leading institutions of Maldives including the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Faculty of Engineering Technology (FET) and Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism Studies(IMFFHTS).

Capacity building and skills development is one of the key components of India’s assistance to Maldives. India offers several scholarships to Maldivian students under the following schemes: • ICCR scholarships • SAARC Chair Fellowship • ITEC training & scholarships • Technical Cooperation Scheme of Colombo Plan • Medical scholarship

IRRITANTS AND CONSTRAINTS

Under former President Abdulla  Yameen’s presidency that Maldives’ relations with China warmed considerably. The archipelago joined the Belt and Road Initiative and borrowed heavily from the Chinese to fund infrastructure projects. The period saw a sharp downturn in India-Maldives relations.

China’s “String of Pearls” in South Asia, keeping Maldives in close relations, which aims to ensure the security of its sea lanes.