North India Statesman
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Maldives-India Relations: Maldives President Mohammad Muizu has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the Independence Day celebrations of Maldives on 26 July as the chief guest. The move is seen as an attempt to improve stressful relations between the two countries.
India-Maldives relations are getting stronger once again. Maldives President Mohammad Muizu has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest at the Independence Day celebrations on July 26. This invitation is being seen as an attempt to reduce tension between the two neighboring countries.
Until the new beginning of relationship with ‘India Out’
Muizu launched a ‘India out’ campaign during the Gujarati elections to come to power in Maldives. Under this campaign, he announced the return of the Indian Army and reduce India’s influence. This caused a rift in India-Maldives relations. However, in October last year, Muizu came to India, where the two countries decided to convert bilateral relations into economic and maritime security cooperation. India also decided to provide financial assistance of millions of dollars to Maldives, so that Maldives could deal with its economic troubles. Muizu was also present at the swearing -in ceremony of PM Modi’s third term on 9 June 2024.
Thilamalla Bridge Project: Progress with the help of India
Maldives Infrastructure Minister Abdullah Muttlib said that with the help of India, the construction of Thilamalla Bridge has been completed by more than 60%. The 6.7 km long bridge will connect the capital Male to Vilimalla, Thilamalle and Gulhifalhu. India has given a grant of $ 100 million for the project and a concessional loan through Exim Bank. Muttalib told X, “The structural work of Thilamalla Bridge has been completed, which was the most challenging phase of the project. A total of 263 pear have been prepared in 68 sea and other places.” He said that with this achievement, the project has now completed 60.84%.
History of project
The Thilamalla Bridge Project began during the rule of former President Ibrahim Mohammad Solih. The contract for this project was given to the Facons Infrastructure Company of India in August 2021. The basic deadline for the construction of the bridge was fixed last year, but some amendments have been made.
