India and Maldives Strengthen Partnership
On Monday, Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, met with the President of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu. The leaders discussed a Vision Document aimed at enhancing the relationship between the two countries.
Vision for Economic and Maritime Security
The Vision Document, titled ‘India and Maldives: A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership,’ outlines cooperation in defense, trade, and development projects. This includes ports, airports, housing, hospitals, roads, sports facilities, schools, and water systems.
Key Development Projects
India will assist Maldives in housing projects and support the Greater Male Connectivity Project. Plans include developing a commercial port at Thilafushi and exploring transshipment facilities at Ihavandhippolhu and Gaadhoo islands.
Airport and Tourism Development
Both countries will work on enhancing airports like Hanimaadhoo and Gan, and boost tourism through joint marketing efforts. An Agriculture Economic Zone and fish processing facility are also planned.
Trade and Investment
India and Maldives aim to discuss a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement and promote investments. They will support Maldives in diversifying its economy, focusing on agriculture, fisheries, and the blue economy.
Doubts Revealed
Vice President -: The Vice President is the second-highest official in India, after the President. Jagdeep Dhankhar is the current Vice President of India.
Maldives -: The Maldives is a small island country located in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches and resorts. It is a neighbor to India.
Mohamed Muizzu -: Mohamed Muizzu is the President of the Maldives. He is the leader of the country and works with other nations to improve relations and development.
Bilateral ties -: Bilateral ties refer to the relationship between two countries. In this context, it means the relationship between India and the Maldives.
Vision Document -: A Vision Document is a plan or strategy that outlines goals and how to achieve them. Here, it is a plan to improve the relationship between India and the Maldives.
Bilateral Free Trade Agreement -: A Bilateral Free Trade Agreement is a deal between two countries to trade goods and services with fewer restrictions, making it easier and cheaper to do business.
Diversify economy -: To diversify an economy means to develop different types of industries so that the country does not rely on just one source of income. For the Maldives, this means focusing on agriculture and fisheries in addition to tourism.
