India, Maldives sign 13 MoUs for projects under Indian grant assistance

Current Context: On May 18, 2025, India and the Maldives signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives, under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III, supported by Indian grant assistance.

Key Highlights:

• Total Grant: MVR 100 million (₹55.28 crore) for infrastructure and ferry services.
• Connectivity Expansion: Links 81 islands across 9 atolls, improving regional transport.
• Signatories: Abdulla Khaleel (Maldives’ Foreign Minister), G Balasubramanian (Indian High Commissioner), and Mohamed Ameen (Maldives’ Transport Minister).
• Strategic Impact: Strengthens India-Maldives bilateral ties, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.

Question:

Q.1 On May 18, 2025, how many Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between India and the Maldives under HICDP Phase III?
a) 10
b) 13
c) 15
d) 17

Answer: b) Under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III, India and the Maldives signed 13 MoUs to support community infrastructure and ferry services.