The inauguration of a new runway constructed under the Indian-assisted airport redevelopment project in Maldives and the official launch of RuPay card in the island nation on Monday aims to boost economic ties and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives’ Mohammed Muizzu jointly inaugurated the runway at Hanimadhoo International Airport and also witnessed live transactions through weblink using RuPay payment service cards in Maldives.
The launch came after wide-ranging talks between the two leaders, which Muizzu said in his press statement was to “pave a new path for the future”.
The President of Maldives arrived in India on Sunday evening along with First Lady Madam Sajida Mohammed and a Maldivian delegation.
Although the Maldivian President had attended PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June, this is his first bilateral visit to India.
Ahead of the launch of various India-supported projects in Maldives, a short official video was played sharing details about these projects in the presence of both the leaders at Hyderabad House.
“Relations between India and the Maldives date back centuries, linked together through rich trade and cultural exchanges,” the video said.
Over the years, the relationship has evolved characterized by “mutual respect and unwavering support”, based on India’s Neighborhood First policy and the SAGAR approach, it said.
India has always been the first responder in Maldives during times of crisis.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Mohammad Muizzu, this relationship is set to achieve greater heights,” it said.
According to the India-Maldives video, the RuPay card launch today will pave the way for strengthening India-Maldives relations by promoting tourism and economic cooperation.
“This will allow Indian tourists to easily undertake cashless transactions, reducing costs and enhancing convenience, especially in the Maldives tourism sector,” it said.
The inauguration of the new runway at Hanimadhoo International Airport is “an important milestone in the ongoing expansion project of the airport”.
It said its redevelopment under the “Indian Credit Line of US$132 million” aims to provide complete new infrastructure including runway, ATC tower, ARFF block, hangar, cargo facilities and passenger terminal building.
In his press statement after the bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi said President Muizzu’s visit adds “another chapter in our relations”.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)