Maldives And India Exchange Key Memoranda of Understanding

On Wednesday, several significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were exchanged between the Maldives and India, expanding cooperation in various fields. The MoU exchange ceremony took place at Manadhoo island in Noonu Atoll yesterday and was graced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid and the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr S. Jaishankar. Prior to the ceremony, representatives of both countries also held official talks.

Three notable MoUs were exchanged at the event. This includes:

1. MoU between the Government of Republic of Maldives & Government of India for additional grant assistance of MVR 100 million for the High Impact Community Development Project scheme. Under this assistance, multiple socio-economic development projects are planned to be executed across the country.
 
2. MoU for the development of a sports complex in Gaafu Dhaalu Gahdhoo. As part of this project, a Centre will be established on the island, aiming to empower youth through sports and contribute to the overall community development.
 
Both these MoUs were exchanged between the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel and the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar.
 
3. MoU on capacity building to facilitate exchanges and cooperative initiatives between the Maldives National University & Cochin University of Science and Technology. With this MoU, both universities will be exchanging dialogues and initiatives in the area of education, research, development instruction, community service, staff and student exchanges.
 
The MoU was exchanged between the Vice Chancellors of the Maldives National University and Cochin University of Science and Technology.

In addition to the exchange of MoUs, the ceremony also saw the handover of two sea ambulances from the Government of India to the Ministry of Defence of Maldives, facilitated under the High Impact Community Development Project scheme. The symbolic token was received by Deputy Minister of Defence, Uz. Hassan Zameel from the High Commissioner of India, Munu Mahawar. Foreign Minister Shahid and the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar presided over the handover.