'India promoting community development in Maldives through 45 projects across 16 atolls, 36 islands'

Inaugurating a Community Centre in Shaviyani Foakaidhoo, Maldives on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India is supporting 45 high impact community development projects spread across 16 atolls and 36 islands through grant assistance.

"Twenty-three of these projects have already been completed. A new project, for the development of a sports complex in Gaaf Dhaalu Gaddhoo was added yesterday," he pointed out.

"This Community Centre is an excellent example of the quality social infrastructure that is being created across Maldives under the India-Maldives development partnership. I applaud the Council and the people of Foakaidhoo for the successful completion of this project," EAM Jaishankar said.

He added that 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.

The External Affairs Minister also referred to Indian grant projects for setting up youth centers, strengthening sports infrastructure and establishing open air gyms on 64 islands, including in Fokaidhoo.

"Sports infrastructure across islands will be developed through the dedicated concessional USD 40 million Line of Credit," he explained.

He also spoke about India's support for strengthening of the fisheries sector in Maldives by working with the Government of Maldives to augment processing and cold storage capacities. He noted that the contract for expansion of MIFCO facilities was awarded on Wednesday evening and the physical work on the project would begin soon.

Emphasising that India and Maldives have a very special relationship, EAM Jaishankar said, "We in India see ourselves as a good neighbor, special neighbor, a trusted neighbor".