The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, on Monday, commended Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and guaranteed that India would remain a close ally of Maldives.
The Indian Prime Minister stated that he looks forward to working with Maldives on climate change mitigation, maritime co-operation, and strengthening the security of the Indian Ocean region.
The recently elected President Solih is currently on a diplomatic mission to India as part of the government's numerous efforts to strengthen bilateral ties which had deteriorated during the previous administration.
Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, on Monday, disclosed that India's financial assistance of USD 1.4 billion to Maldives, allocates USD 200 million as budget support, USD 800 million for government-initiated projects, and USD 400 million as currency swap. The Maldivian government will receive the free aid in January, 2019.
Notably, the two countries have also signed a new visa agreement which has been hailed as the most lenient visa policy ever opted for by India.
While Modi attended the inauguration of President Solih on November 17, the Indian Prime Minister has accepted an invitation to make a state visit to Maldives.
This is President Solih's first state visit to another country since his inauguration on November 17.
The Indian government facilitated private air transport for the couple and their entourage, comprising of Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure Mohamed Aslam, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Aishath Nahula, and Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail.