Latest news with #GreaterMaleConnectivityProject
India.com
25-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
India will continuously cooperate in development of defence capabilities of Maldives: PM Modi in Male
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) Health Cubes to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, in Malé on Friday. (ANI Photo) Modi in Maldives: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that India will continuously cooperate in developing defence capabilities of Maldives and peace, stability and prosperity in Indian Ocean is a common goal of the two countries. In his remarks at the Press Statement with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, PM Modi talked of expanding economic cooperation and strong development partnership between the two countries. 'In the sector of defence and security, mutual cooperation is the symbol of mutual trust. The building of Defence Ministry, which is being inaugurated today, is a trusted, concrete building. It is a symbol of our strong partnership. Our partnership will also be in weather science. Whatever the weather may be, our friendship will always remain bright and clear. In the development of defence capabilities of Maldives, India will cooperate continuously. Peace, stability and prosperity in Indian Ocean is our shared goal,' PM Modi said. 'Together in Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security. Climate change is a challenge for both of us. We have decide to promote renewable energy. In this sector, India will share its experience with Maldives,' he added. PM Modi said that last year in October, during the President Muizzu's visit to India, the two countries shared a vision on extensive economic and maritime partnership. 'Now, this is becoming a reality. It is a result of that, that our relations are touching new heights. Inauguration of several projects have become possible. 4000 social housing units, built with India's cooperation, will become a new beginning for several families in Maldives. These will be their new houses. Greater Male Connectivity Project, Addu Road Development Project and redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport – this entire area will emerge as an important transit and economic centre. Soon, with the beginning of ferry system, commuting between different islands will be smoother. After that, the distance between islands will be measured in terms of just ferry time, and not GPS,' he said. The Prime Minister said that India is Maldives' closest neighbour and the country holds an important place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and 'MAHASAGAR' vision. 'India is proud of being the most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a crisis or pandemic, India has always stood as first responders. Be it making essential commodities available or handling the economy after COVID, India has always worked together,' he said. PM Modi noted that this year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. 'First of all, on behalf of the people of India, I would like to extend heartiest greetings to the President and people of Maldives on the historic occasion of the 60th year of independence. For inviting me as the Guest of Honour on this historic occasion, I express heartfelt gratitude to the President,' he said. 'But the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea. The commemorative stamps released today display traditional boats of both nations. This reflects that we are not just neighbours but also co-passengers,' he said. PM arrived in Maldives on Friday in the second leg of his two-nation tour. He reached Maldives after successful visit to United Kingdom.
Mint
25-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
Maldives' Muizzu calls India ‘closest, most-trusted ally', PM Modi stresses ‘friendship first': Top points
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on two-day visit to the Maldives, on Monday assured India's continued support to the island nation in strengthening its defence capabilities. PM Modi and the Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also addressed a joint press meet where PM Modi the growing security cooperation between the two nations reflects the depth of their trust. Among other things, PM Modi also announced major financial commitment to the island nation saying India will provide a line of credit of $565 million to the Maldives. The prime minister also handed over 72 vehicles and equipment for use by the Maldives National Defence Force. 'India-Maldives relations are centuries-old. We are neighbours, partners and true friends who stand together in times of need. Like I said earlier too, Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' is not just diplomacy but a relation of deep affinity.' 'We are both partners of the Global South. Whether it is Infrastructure or Capacity Building, India has been a true partner and companion at every turn of Maldives' development journey. Now we should move forward on trade, security, and sustainable development.' 'It is an honor for me to attend as the Guest of Honour on the 60th Independence Day of the Maldives. I express my gratitude to the President for this invitation. And on behalf of all Indians, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Maldives.' 'Mutual cooperation in the field of defense and security is a testament to mutual trust. The Defense Ministry building, which is being inaugurated today, is a concrete structure of trust. It is a symbol of our strong partnership.' 'To give a new flight to our development partnership, we have decided to provide a 'line of credit' of 565 million dollars, which is approximately five thousand crore rupees, for the Maldives. This will be used for projects related to the development of infrastructure here, in line with the priorities of the people of the Maldives.' 'Built with India's cooperation, four thousand social housing units will now become a new beginning for many families in the Maldives. They will be new homes. The Greater Male Connectivity Project, Addu road development project, and the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport will transform this entire region into a significant transit and economic hub.' 'India is the closest neighbor of the Maldives. The Maldives holds an important place in both India's 'Neighbourhood First' Policy and MAHASAGAR vision.' 'India is also proud to be the most trusted friend of the Maldives. Be it a disaster or a pandemic, India has always stood by as the 'First Responder'. Whether it is about providing essential commodities or managing the economy post-Covid, India has always worked together.' 'On behalf of all Indians, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the President and the people of Maldives on the historic 60th anniversary of independence.' 'On this historic occasion, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the President for inviting me as the Guest of Honour.'
Hans India
25-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India proud to be most trusted friend of Maldives: PM Modi
Male: Calling Maldives "important" in India's Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that New Delhi takes immense pride in being Male's "most trusted friend" and has stood with Maldives as first responder in times of need. Making a statement to the press along with the Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, PM Modi congratulated the people of Indian Ocean country on the 60th anniversary of its independence and thanked Muizzu for inviting him as the 'Guest of Honour' on this historic occasion. "This year, India and Maldives are also celebrating 60 years of their diplomatic relations. But, the roots of our relations are older than history and as deep as the sea. The commemorative stamps released today display traditional boats of both nations. This reflects that we are not just neighbours but also co-passengers," said PM Modi. "India is the closest neighbour of Maldives. The Maldives holds an important place in India's Neighbourhood First policy and its MAHASAGAR vision. India is proud to be most trusted friend of Maldives. Be it a natural disaster or pandemic, India has always stood with them as first responders. Be it making essential commodities available or handling the economy after Covid, India has always worked together. For us, it is always friendship first," he added. PM Modi emphasised that the increasing cooperation between two nations in the defence and security sector is symbol of "mutual trust." He also spoke about the Defence Ministry Building that is set to be inaugurated and was graced by a giant portrait of PM Modi, on Friday. "Mutual cooperation in the field of defence and security is a symbol of our mutual trust. The Defence Ministry building, which is being inaugurated today, is a concrete building of trust. It is a symbol of our strong partnership," he said. PM Modi announced that India will extend a Line of Credit (LoC) amounting to USD 565 million to the Indian Ocean archipelago. He stated that the two nations have taken several steps to enhance economic partnership. "Last year in October, during the President's visit to India, we shared a vision on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Partnership. Now, this is becoming a reality. It is a result of that our relations are touching new heights. Inauguration of several projects have become possible. 4000 social housing units, built with India's assistance, will become a new beginning and a new home for several families in Maldives. The Greater Male Connectivity Project, the Addu Road Development Project, and the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo International Airport will transform this entire region into an important transit and economic hub. Soon, with the beginning of ferry system, commuting between different islands will be smoother. After that, the distance between islands will be measured in terms of just ferry time, and not GPS," he said. The two leaders made the joint press statement following their meeting during which they reviewed the entire spectrum of India-Maldives relations and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties. "To accelerate mutual investment, we are working towards finalising the Bilateral Investment Treaty. We are also in discussions to develop the Free Trade Agreement. Our goal is to move from paperwork to prosperity. With the local currency settlement system, we will be able to have direct trade between Rupee and Rufiyaa. The pace with which UPI is gaining momentum in Maldives, tourism and retail will strengthen," said Prime Minister Modi. He announced that India and Maldives will strengthen regional maritime cooperation through the Colombo Security Conclave and also termed climate change a "major challenge" for both nations. "Peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region are our shared goals. Together, through the Colombo Security Conclave, we will strengthen regional maritime security. Climate change is a major challenge for both our countries. We have decided to promote renewable energy, and in this sector, India will share its experience with the Maldives," he said. Earlier in the day, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the Republic Square in Male as he began his official engagements during a two-day State Visit to the country. In a special gesture, President Muizzu welcomed PM Modi at the airport in Male as he arrived from the United Kingdom. Maldives Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister and Minister of Homeland Security were also present at the airport to welcome PM Modi. PM Modi said that he is "deeply touched" by Muizzu's gesture of coming to the airport to receive him. He expressed confidence that the ties between two nations will scale new heights of progress in the coming times. "Landed in Male. Deeply touched by the gesture of President Muizzu to come to the airport to welcome me. I am confident that India-Maldives friendship will scale new heights of progress in the times to come," PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi will participate in the country's 60th Independence Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour on Saturday. This is his third visit to the Maldives and notably the first by any head of state or government since Muizzu assumed office.
Business Standard
25-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Afcons makes its mark in Maldives: Completes Addu City Project, Greater Male Connectivity Project on fast-track
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 25: Afcons Infrastructure is playing a key role in reshaping the Maldives through two transformative projects--the recently completed Addu City Development Project and the ongoing Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), the largest infrastructure project in the island nation. In Addu City, Afcons has completed the Addu City Development Project which includes 111 km of roads, a detour link road of 1.4km consisting of two ocean bridges, 106 km of drainage works, 160 km of Street Lighting, 376 CCTV Cameras, 41 km of Utility Duct and 38 pumping stations across Hithadhoo, Maradhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Feydhoo, Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. It has significantly improved mobility, public safety and brought relief to residents from frequent flooding among others. In Male, the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) is progressing on a fast track, with Afcons completing the challenging piling works and achieving an overall work completion of 60%. A total of 264 piles were installed across 68 locations, including 75 marine piles, 85 shallow piles, and 104 land piles. One of these marine piles reached a depth of 120 metres-- one of the world's deepest. The GMCP will link Male, Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi through a 6.74-km network comprising three navigation bridges (each with a 140-metre main span), deep and shallow water marine viaducts, and at-grade roads. Segment erection is underway, with each precast segment measuring 8.32 metres in height, 25.37 metres in width, and weighing 240 metric tonnes--among the tallest ever cast globally. S Paramasivan, Managing Director, Afcons, said, "Both the Addu City and GMCP projects are very challenging. The execution of these projects reflect our commitment to building resilient and future-ready infrastructure. From easing urban challenges in Addu City to connecting key islands through GMCP, we are proud to be shaping a new era of connectivity and development in the Maldives." S.M. Viswamurthy, Project Director of GMCP, Afcons, said, "The scale and complexity of the GMCP are unlike anything the Maldives has witnessed before. The situation was more complex as construction material and machinery had to be sourced from outside Maldives. Completing the piling works under such challenging marine and geotechnical conditions marks a major milestone and enables us to fast-track the next phases of construction." About Afcons Infrastructure Ltd Afcons Infrastructure Ltd is flagship infrastructure engineering and construction company of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group. It has a legacy of over six decades, with strong track record of executing numerous technologically complex EPC projects both within India and internationally. As per the latest ENR survey, Afcons is ranked in Top 140 international Contractors globally; 12th in Bridges and 14th in Marine & Ports. Photo: Photo: Logo:
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First Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
7 big infra projects India has built for Maldives
India continues to play a key development role in the Maldives through major infrastructure projects, even as political ties recalibrate under President Muizzu. From bridges to renewable energy, these initiatives highlight India's lasting impact on the island nation's growth and connectivity. read more As India and the Maldives undergo a period of political recalibration under President Mohamed Muizzu, the long-standing development partnership between the two nations remains defined by key infrastructure projects that have transformed the archipelago's urban connectivity. Over the past decade, India has funded and implemented a string of high-impact projects, ranging from bridges and roads to ports and renewable energy systems under its broader 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Here are seven of the biggest infrastructure projects India has built or is building in the Maldives: STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Greater Male connectivity project India's largest development project in the Maldives, the $500 million Greater Male Connectivity Project is a game-changer for the island nation. Funded through a $100 million grant and $400 million line of credit from India, the 6.74 km bridge and causeway network will connect the capital Male with three neighbouring islands—Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi, enhancing connectivity for nearly half of the Maldivian population. The project is being executed by India's Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. Hanimaadhoo international airport expansion With a financial package of $136 million under India's Line of Credit, the expansion of Hanimaadhoo International Airport in northern Maldives is aimed at boosting regional tourism and trade. The project includes a new 2.46 km runway and passenger terminal capable of handling 1.3 million passengers annually. Addu roads and reclamation project India has committed $200 million to revamp infrastructure in Addu City, the second-largest urban centre in the Maldives. The project includes road development and land reclamation works which are vital for economic development and climate resilience in the southernmost atoll. Gulhifalhu port development India is supporting the first phase of the Gulhifalhu Port project, designed to become a key transhipment and commercial hub for the Maldives. It aims to decongest Male's existing port and strengthen the logistics infrastructure of the capital region. Water and sanitation projects across 34 islands With a $100 million Indian grant, water and sanitation infrastructure is being developed on 34 remote islands across the Maldives. These projects are essential for public health and sustainable living in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations. Social housing units in Hulhumale India has funded the construction of 2,000 affordable housing units in Hulhumale under an $80 million Line of Credit. Executed by NBCC (India) Ltd, the project aims to ease housing shortages and improve urban living conditions in the rapidly expanding capital region. Renewable energy projects across the Maldives In line with the Maldives' climate goals, India has helped install rooftop solar panels in government buildings, street lighting systems and hybrid renewable energy projects across various islands. India also assisted with a project to set up solar-battery-diesel hybrid systems on 11 islands. India's enduring development role Despite recent diplomatic friction over the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and a tilt towards China by the current Maldivian administration, these projects stand as a testament to India's long-term developmental footprint in the Maldives. Indian-funded infrastructure not only supports the Maldivian economy but also reinforces regional stability and shared prosperity.
