The Maldives and India have further cemented their long-standing partnership with the signing of 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under Phase III of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP), an Indian grant assistance scheme focused on uplifting local communities across the island nation.
The agreements, signed during a formal ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represent a cumulative investment of USD 6.48 million. The projects under this new phase aim to significantly boost ferry connectivity, enhance transportation infrastructure, and improve community livelihoods throughout the Maldives.
On behalf of the Maldivian government, the MoUs were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, while India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Gopal Baglay Balasubramanian, signed on behalf of the Indian government. Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen signed as the representative of the implementing agency.
Speaking at the event, Minister Khaleel described the initiative as a reflection of India’s meaningful and targeted support to the Maldives. He noted that the projects go beyond infrastructure—they are vital lifelines that address specific community needs, promote economic sustainability, and strengthen the social fabric of the nation.
“These MoUs reflect a friendship grounded in trust and shared progress,” said Khaleel. “We are deeply grateful to India for its unwavering commitment and for standing with us in delivering tangible benefits to the people of the Maldives.”
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen highlighted the role of Indian-backed initiatives in accelerating the country’s national ferry network. Currently, 81 islands across nine atolls are connected via high-speed ferry services—a project that was initially expected to be completed by 2027 but is now on track to finish by the end of this year, in line with the fast-tracked vision of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Minister Ameen underscored that the newly signed agreements will further expand ferry services, improve mobility, and enable greater access to essential services for remote island communities.
Both ministers expressed appreciation to the Government of India for its substantial and sustained contributions to the Maldives’ development. Foreign Minister Khaleel extended special thanks to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued personal support and to India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, for his efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He also acknowledged the efforts of High Commissioner Balasubramanian and the Indian High Commission for their role in advancing shared goals.
The launch of HICDP Phase III was first announced during President Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024. Since its inception, the HICDP scheme has become a cornerstone of Maldives–India development collaboration, funding numerous grassroots projects in health, education, sanitation, and transport.
Senior officials from both governments and representatives from the High Commission of India were present at the signing, reaffirming the continued momentum in Maldives–India relations and the shared commitment to community-focused development.
