NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar signed a string of pacts with the Maldives and discussed regional security and bilateral cooperation with President Ibrahim Mohammad Solih at the Addu City on Sunday.
During the EAM’s two-day visit, Hyderabad-based Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) signed an MOU with Maldives Police Service to support collaboration and cooperation in training management, and exchange of trainers and trainees between both institutions.
The minister also inaugurated the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement, a drug detoxification and rehabilitation centre, and an eco-tourism zone in Meedho during his visit and handed over the Expanded Coastal Radar System to the Maldives.
EAM Jaishankar discussed capacity building and training cooperation in the areas of law enforcement during his meeting with Maldives Home Minister Imran Abdulla.
India has extended loans to the Maldives for a slew of development initiatives like the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies campus for the Maldives National University, Thilamalé Connectivity Bridge, the redevelopment of Gan International Airport and Hanimaadhoo International Airport besides road development and reclamation works in Addu City.
The Maldives is developing water and sewerage networks in 34 islands and a Coast Guard building under a loan extended by India.
During Jaishankar’s visit, seven new High Impact Community Development Projects were finalised in addition to nine such projects that are already under operation in Addu City.
The two sides agreed to finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the International Airport Redevelopment project and signed a contract for Addu Reclamation and Shore Protection Project. Dr. Jaishankar underscored the importance of Greater Male Connectivity Projects, before leaving for Sri Lanka.