President: India is a beacon of hope for democracy and peace

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Saturday, described neighboring India as a beacon of hope for democracy and peace.

He made the remark in a tweet on occasion of India’s 73rd Independence Day.

“73 years since India began its tryst with destiny, India remains a beacon of hope the world over for its democratic values and contributions to peace and progress,” said President Solih.

He offered warm felicitations to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian people.

President Solih, after he came to 2018, sought to foster closer ties with India.

India, on Thursday, pledged substantial financial assistance to Maldives, including a USD 250 million financial package as budget support, a USD 500 million financial package for the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project, and funding for seven more infrastructure development projects under a USD 800 million credit line.

India also confirmed the renewal of quotas for import of essential commodities, announced that an air travel bubble will be established between Maldives and India within a week’s time, and that cargo ferry services between Cochin and Kulhudhuffushi City will be operationalized within three months.