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India has always played the role of the first responder for Maldives: PM Modi

Published By : Admin | October 7, 2024 | 12:25 IST

Your Excellency, President Muizzu,
Delegates of both the nation,
Our Friends from Media,.

Namaskar to all!

First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to President Muizzu and his delegation.

India and Maldives share relations that spans centuries.

And India is the Maldives' closest neighbour and a steadfast friend.

The Maldives holds a significant place in both our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the 'SAGAR' vision.

India has consistently acted as the first responder for the Maldives.

Be it essential commodities for the people of the Maldives, providing drinking water during natural disasters, delivering vaccines during the COVID pandemic, India has consistently upheld its responsibilities as a neighbour.

And today, to provide strategic direction to our mutual cooperation, we have adopted the vision of "Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership”.

Friends,

Development partnership is a key pillar of our relationship.And we always give preference to the priorities of Maldivian people in this context.

This year SBI has rolled over USD 100 million of Treasury Bills for Maldives. Today, as per the need of Maldives, a currency swap agreement of USD 400 million and INR 3000 crore (INR 30 billion) has also been concluded.

We have discussed about comprehensive cooperation for infrastructure development in the Maldives.Today, we inaugurated a runway at the Hanimadhoo International Airport.Now, the ‘Greater Male’ Connectivity Project will also be expedited. Support will also be provided in the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi.

Today, over 700 social housing units constructed with India’s assistance have been handed over.Water and sewerage projects have been completed on 28 islands of the Maldives.Work on six other islands will soon be completed.These projects will ensure supply of clean water to thirty thousand people.

Assistance will also be provided in setting up Agriculture Economic Zone in "Haa Dhaalu” and fish processing facility in "Haa Alifu”.

We will also work together in the fields of oceanography and blue economy.

Friends,

To strengthen our economic ties, we have decided to initiate discussions on a Free Trade Agreement. We will also work on trade settlements in local currencies.

We have also focused on digital connectivity.Earlier today, the RuPay card was launched in the Maldives. In future, we will work to connect India and the Maldives through UPI as well.

We have discussed opening a new Indian consulate in Addu and a new Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru.

All these initiatives will strengthen our people-to-people ties.

Friends,

We have engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of defence and security cooperation.

The Ekatha Harbor project is progressing swiftly.

We will continue our cooperation in training and capacity building of the Maldives National Defence Forces. Together, we will strive for stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.We will enhance our cooperation in hydrography and disaster response.

We also welcome Maldives joining the Colombo Security Conclave as a founding member.

Climate Change poses a big challenge for both the countries. In this regard, India is prepared to share its expertise in solar energy and energy efficiency with Maldives.

Excellency,

Once again, I welcome you and your delegation to India. Your visit is adding a new chapter to our relationship. We will continue to provide all possible support for the progress and prosperity of the people of Maldives.

Thank you very much.

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PM Modi interacted with BJP karyakartas from across West Bengal under the ‘Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot’ initiative, extending his best wishes for the Bengali New Year to all citizens of the state.


During the interaction, the PM reflected on his recent visits across various parts of West Bengal, highlighting the remarkable enthusiasm, energy and growing support for the BJP among the people. He credited this momentum to the tireless efforts and dedication of booth-level karyakartas.

The PM appreciated the positive response to the BJP’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto), stating that citizens across the state have described it as practical, implementable, and focused on holistic development and welfare.

During the interaction, several karyakartas shared their on-the-ground experiences, highlighting key concerns among the people, including safety, employment, corruption, political violence, and governance challenges. Women karyakartas spoke about concerns over security and dignity, while youth-related issues such as migration due to lack of opportunities were also raised.

PM Modi acknowledged these concerns and emphasised the need for continuous engagement with citizens at the grassroots level. He urged karyakartas to strengthen booth-level organisation through regular outreach and small group meetings, actively connect with women, youth, farmers and first-time voters , clearly communicate the benefits and vision outlined by the BJP, ensure transparency, development and safety, use social media and digital tools effectively to amplify facts and counter misinformation.
He also stressed the importance of documenting and communicating local issues, ensuring that the voices of the people are consistently heard and represented.

The PM constantly reiterated that booth-level strength is the foundation of electoral success, stating that “Booth jeeta, toh chunav jeeta.” He expressed confidence that the growing trust of the people in BJP presents a significant opportunity to bring transformation in West Bengal.

Concluding the interaction, PM Modi said that the scale of victory in West Bengal will directly translate into relief and better governance for its people. He encouraged all karyakartas to work with renewed energy, expand outreach, and ensure that every household becomes a partner in this journey of development.