Key takeaways from the India-Maldives vision document: health, education, start-ups, political exchanges

The vision document said that they decided to constitute a “new High-Level Core Group to oversee the progress in the implementation of this vision document. The leadership of this group will be decided mutually between the two sides, it said.

Political exchanges:

It said that “in order to intensify exchanges at leadership and ministerial levels, the two sides will expand them to include exchanges of Parliamentarians and local government representatives. In addition, recognizing the contribution of shared democratic values in the growth of bilateral ties, they decided to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding to enable institutionalized cooperation between the two Parliaments; it said.

Development Cooperation

Taking into account the progress of ongoing developmental partnership projects, which have already brought tangible benefits to the people of Maldives, the two sides decided:

a) work together in advancing the developmental partnership, as per needs and requirements of Maldives, across areas, including ports, airports, housing, hospitals, roads networks, sports facilities, schools and water and sewerage.

b) provide assistance to the Maldives in addressing the housing challenges and to accelerate the ongoing social housing projects supported by India’s assistance.

c) extend full support for the timely completion of the flagship Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), and to undertake a feasibility study to connect the islands of Thilafushi and Giraavaru as an extension.

d) collaborate in the development of a state-of-the-art commercial port at Thilafushi island in order to de-congest the Malé port and provide enhanced cargo handling capacity at Thilafushi.

e) explore collaboration for development of transshipment facilities and bunkering services contributing towards Maldives Economic Gateway project at Ihavandhippolhu and Gaadhoo islands of Maldives.

f) jointly work in harnessing the full potential of Hanimaadhoo and Gan airports that are being developed with Indian assistance as well as other airports of Maldives. Towards this end, both sides will also consider measures to strengthen air connectivity, attract investments and collaborate for efficient management of these airports

g) jointly work in establishing “Agriculture Economic Zone” and tourism investments in Haa Dhaalu atoll and fish processing and canning facility at Haa Alifu atoll with Indian assistance.

h) To further expand through additional financing the successful High Impact Community Development Projects to take the India-Maldives people-centric development partnership to every part of Maldives.

Trade and economic cooperation

In view of significant untapped potential for bilateral trade & investment, the two sides agreed:

a) initiate discussions on a Bilateral Free Trade Agreement focusing on trade in goods and services between the two countries;

b) operationalize the settlement of trade transactions between India and Maldives in local currencies with an aim to deepen trade linkages and to reduce dependency on foreign currencies;

c) promote bilateral investments and closer engagements between the two business chambers and entities; steps shall be taken for disseminating information relating to investment opportunities and to improve ease of doing business;

Digital and financial cooperation

Given that developments in digital and financial domains have transformational impact on governance and delivery of services the two
sides agreed:

a) share expertise on implementation of digital and financial services;

b) cooperate in the domain of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) by launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Unique Digital Identity, Gati Shakti Scheme and other digital services that will enhance e-governance and delivery of services through digital domain for the benefit of people of Maldives;

c) While welcoming the launch of RuPay card in Maldives, which will enhance ease of payments for Indian tourists visiting Maldives, to work closely to extend similar services for Maldivian nationals visiting India.

Health cooperation

The two sides agreed:

a) To further deepen ongoing health cooperation through provisioning of safe, quality and affordable healthcare to the people of Maldives in India and promoting linkages between hospitals in India and facilities and improving access to essential health services in Maldives for strengthening health-care infrastructure in Maldives;

b) To work towards recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia by the Government of Maldives, followed by establishment of India-Maldives Jan Aushadhi Kendras across Maldives to contribute to health security efforts of Maldives through provisioning of affordable and quality generic medicines from India;

c) work together to improve mental health services and support systems to central and regional mental health services of Maldives;

d) To work together on health research initiatives to address common health challenges including cancer, infertility

e) work together in sharing of expertise on drug de-addiction and rehabilitation measures as well as assist in setting-up of rehabilitation centres in Maldives;

f) work together in enhancing capacity of the Maldives to undertake emergency medical evacuations.

Capacity Building and training

a) continue with customized training programmes for civil servants and local government representatives of Maldives.

b) launch a new programme to promote women-led development by imparting skills training and extending support to Maldivian women entrepreneurs for their enhanced participation in Maldivian economy;

c) collaborate in the establishment of a Start-up Incubator-Accelerator in Maldives to harness the innovation potential of the youth.

People-to-people linkages

a) establish higher education institutions, skilling centres and centres of excellence in Maldives, as per its needs and requirements;

b) To work towards establishing an ICCR Chair in the Maldives National University.