Maldives new airport symbol of growing ties with India: Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram attends inauguration
Maldives got a new airport, the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, thanks to India's Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision. This project was funded by India through credit of USD 800 million through EXIM Bank. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and other senior officials from India were in attendance at the inauguration of the airport. Maldives officials were also present.
New Delhi: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has inaugurated a new airport in the country. This airport is a symbol of growing ties between India and Maldives, as it was funded under the Indian government’s Line of Credit assistance. While inaugurating the Airport, the Maldives President described it as "a gateway to prosperity" for the country's north.
Airport, a catalyst for unlocking potential of northern Maldives : President Muizzu
President Muizzu was quoted by Press Trust of India (PTI) as describing the new airport as a "catalyst for unlocking the potential of the northern Maldives and enhancing global connectivity." He also described it as a "gateway to prosperity for the North" and said that this was not just an airport but a symbol of economic transformation.
The Maldives President further said that this airport will further enhance tourism, agriculture, fisheries and help the economy also to grow.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and other senior officials from India were in attendance at the inauguration of the airport. Maldives officials were also present.
Monument testifies India-Maldives ties: President of Maldives
Muizzu also described the airport as a monument testifying the strength of India-Maldives ties. He also recalled that it was inaugurated when both nations are marking 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations.
The Indian High Commission also responded to President Muizzu with equal enthusiasm. In a post on social media platform, 'X' they said, that "the airport was a true vehicle of progress and prosperity, and a symbol of India’s commitment under Neighbourhood First and MAHASAGAR vision."
India extended a credit of USD 800 million through EXIM Bank to Maldives to build the airport. The project to build the Hanimaadhoo International Airport, was with Indian company JMC Projects. The total outlay of the project was USD 136.6 million, officials.