India- Maldives projects inaugurated
In early December, the Prime Minister of India and the President of Maldives jointly inaugurated 4 development projects in the island nation:
- LED lighting project in Mahe – will save 80% of energy.
- RuPay card facility launched in Maldives.
- Inauguration of 3 fish processing plants in Addu Atoll.
- (Kaamiyaab) Fast Interceptor Craft gifted to Maldives by India.These are as a consequence of India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy and Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy. The inauguration was done through video conferencing by the leaders.
The number of Indian tourists to Maldives has increased over the years. India is the second largest source of tourists to Maldives. Hence the introduction of the RuPay facility is expected to further ease up the tourism from India.
The Fast Interceptor Craft is a product of ‘Make in India’. It was gifted by the PM to the Coast Guard of Maldives to promote maritime security and also blue economy and tourism.