India extends $1.4 billion assistance to Maldives

India has declared a financial aid of $1.4 billion to the Maldives. The financial package that was being prepared over the last month was formally declared during the press conference attended by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldives and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Announcing the financial package for the Indian Ocean country, Mr. Modi said that both sides are connected by mutual faith in democracy and development. “Cooperation between our countries is necessary for maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region and we are willing to take our bilateral relationship to its fullest extent,” said Mr. Modi conveying his best wishes for the ambitious development plans for the Maldives. Mr Modi conveyed that India will be there to support the Maldives in its human-oriented development plans. India will also support the Maldives in improving connectivity links between India and the Maldives. In response, President Solih said that his government will walk the path of cooperation and development and said that his discussion with India covered a wide swath of issues such as health, education, and defence. Upon arrival, the Maldivian leader had thanked India and described it as the “closest friend” of his country. Both sides signed four agreements on Monday that will ensure greater cooperation between India and the Maldives. Mr. Solih announced that India has agreed to a Prime Ministerial visit to Male next year. Source: The Hindu