Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
- Recently, the Prime Minister of India held bilateral talks with the visiting Maldives President.
- The Prime Minister while highlighting the threat of transnational crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean said that the coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security is vital for peace and stability.
Outcomes of the Bilateral Talks
- To counter the threat of transnational crime, terrorism and drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean region, India will give 24 vehicles and one naval boat to the Maldives Security Force and help train the island-nation’s security personnel.
- India will also cooperate in building police facilities in 61 islands of Maldives.
- The two leaders also welcomed the launch of the Greater Male Connectivity Project, a USD 500 million project funded by New Delhi.
- Both leaders participated in the virtual “pouring of the first concrete” ceremony of the USD500-million Greater Male Connectivity Project, being built under grant and concessional loan support from India.
Agreements:
The countries signed six agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas in Maldives, including:
- Cybersecurity
- Capacity Building
- Housing
- Disaster Management
- Infrastructure Development
India announced USD100 million financial aid to help the island-nation complete certain infrastructure projects.
Way Forward
- Although India continues to be an important partner of the Maldives, India must not grow complacent over its position and must remain attentive to the developments in the Maldives.
- India must play a key role within Indo-Pacific security space to ensure regional security in South Asia and surrounding maritime boundaries.
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT
