Maldives and India Sign 13 MoUs Under Indian Grant Assistance Scheme
Maldives and India sign 13 MoUs under development grant | Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Maldives and India have signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for development projects under Phase III of the Indian grant assistance scheme, the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP).
The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malé, marking a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
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MoUs signed between the Maldives and India to implement thirteen projects under High Impact Community Development Scheme Phase III
📃 Press Release | https://t.co/TUQYvE71Kc pic.twitter.com/rC2BJBwq8X— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) May 18, 2025
The projects, supported through a total grant of USD 6.48 million from India, are primarily focused on improving ferry services, enhancing inter-island connectivity, and supporting community development across the Maldives.
The MoUs were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel on behalf of the Maldivian government, Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives Gopal Baglay Balasubramanian on behalf of the Indian government, and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen on behalf of the implementing agency.
13 MoUs signed under the HICDP Phase III b/w Maldives and India, supported by generous grant assistance of MVR 100 million. These will enhance Ferry services, for an equitable development across Maldives. A testament to the growing partnership b/w🇲🇻&🇮🇳 @MEAIndia@HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/ncZ1XzzZ4j— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) May 18, 2025
Foreign Minister Khaleel described the projects as significant community investments, tailored to meet local needs and deliver long-term socio-economic benefits. He acknowledged the role of Indian assistance in supporting national development priorities and reaffirmed the importance of the Maldives-India partnership.
Minister Ameen highlighted the progress of the nationwide high-speed ferry network, which now connects 81 islands across nine atolls. He noted that the new MoUs would accelerate expansion efforts and contribute to the overall improvement of public transport infrastructure. The ferry network, originally scheduled for completion in 2027, is now expected to be finalised by the end of this year in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s development agenda.
Both ministers extended their appreciation to the Government of India for its continued support. Foreign Minister Khaleel expressed particular thanks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar, and the Indian High Commission in Malé for their roles in advancing bilateral cooperation.
The launch of Phase III of the HICDP was initially announced during President Muizzu’s State Visit to India in October 2023. The signing ceremony was attended by senior government officials from both countries.
