India signs six key agreements with the Maldives

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modivisited the Maldives on 8 June. PM’s visit to the Maldives reflects the importance India attaches to itsNeighbourhood First policy.

Highlights:
During his visit, PM Narendra Modi and the President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signed six key agreements and substantive bilateral level talks.
MoU includes maritime and defence ties which are a top priority and the radar system are expected to boost maritime security.
The leaders jointly inaugurated a coastal surveillance radar system and a composite training centre for the Maldives defence forces.
Launch of RuPay Card in the Maldives was welcomed by PM Modi as it will give a boost to tourism in the island nation.
The six agreements include:

1. cooperation in the field ofhydrography
2. cooperation in the field ofhealth
3. customs capacity buildingbetween the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Customs of India and the Maldives Customs Service
4. the establishment of passenger andcargo services by sea
5. training and Capacity Building Programme for Maldivian civil servantsMaldives Civil Service Commissionsigned with India’sNational Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)with theDepartment of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
6. sharing white shipping information between theIndian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force

Previous agreements:
In March 2019, India and Maldives signed an$800-million Line of Credit Agreementwith an aim to assist the Maldives in achieving sustainable social and economic development.

Maldives:
President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
Vice President: Faisal Naseem
Capital: Malé
Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
Official languages: English, Dhivehi