AMN
India and Maldives today signed six agreements in different sectors including avoidance of double taxation, defence, tourism and conservation and restoration of ancient mosque.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Visiting Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom witnessed the signing of the pacts at Hyderabad House in New Delhi today.
Earlier the two leaders held talks on ways to expand cooperation between the two countries.
After the agreement Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security agencies of India and Maldives need to work together to tackle the menace of terrorism and rising radicalisation of youth. In his press statement after holding talks with visiting Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in New Delhi, Mr Modi said, India is conscious of security needs of Maldives and it hopes that the island nation will be sensitive to New Delhi’s strategic and security interests.
Mr Modi said, India understands its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean and is ready to protect its strategic interests in the region. Mr Modi said, stable and secure Maldive is in India’s strategic interest. He said, progress, security and economic development is at the core of India-Maldives relations. He said, India’s economic development is incomplete without progress of its neighbours.
In his statement, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom said, his country pursues an India first foreign policy and India is the most important friend of Maldives. He said, ties between the two nations are based in civilizational roots. The Maldivian President said, efforts are being made to improve country’s economy.
Earlier, the two countries signed six agreements in different sectors including avoidance of double taxation, defence, tourism and conservation and restoration of ancient mosque.
In the talks it was agreed that India will set up a police academy, build the Defence Ministry building of Maldives besides speeding up infrastructure projects relating to security. India will also extend all possible assistance to the island nation, including in maritime sphere and capacity building of armed forces.