After Prime Minister Narendra Modi used cricket diplomacy to strike chord with the SAARC leaders, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj engaged in some ‘Ocean Diplomacy’ with India’s maritime neighbour Maldives on Sunday.
Swaraj met her counterpart from Maldives Dunya Maumoon and discussed ways to boost the bilateral ties and maritime cooperation. The two Ministers also reviewed the progress of ongoing developmental projects funded by India in Maldives. Under new line of Credit worth $40 million offered by India to Maldives, the Overseas Infrastructure Alliance (OIA) of India has been given a contract to construct 485 housing units in Maldives. Maumoon is on a private visit to India.
It is learnt that the two Ministers also discussed possible agenda for a likely visit of Modi to Maldives sometime this year. There is a possibility of Modi travelling to the Maldives in March when he will also be visiting Sri lanka. However, there is no official announcement of the visit so far.
India and Maldives commemorate 50 years of relations this year: India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and establish diplomatic relations with it. India has been active partner of Maldives in providing humanitarian and financial assistance to Maldives.
last December India rushed gallons of water to the island country when its water plant crashed. India overnight flew several litres of water and stationed its naval vessels having high reverse osmosis capabilities. India was one of the first countries to rush aid and assistance to Maldives after tsunami struck in 2004. later India provided a budget support aid of Rs10 crores in view of the serious financial difficulties being faced by Maldives on account of the tsunami and related factors.
Currently, India has provided $100 million Stand-by Credit facility (SCF) to Maldives, including long-term loans and revolving credit for trade.