What Is Maldives' Largest India-Funded Sanitation Project? (image-X/MMuizzu)
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Male on Saturday with the goal of strengthening the relationship between the two countries. The two also held a virtual inauguration where the Maldives handed over water and sanitation projects in 28 islands to India, commissioned under the Indian Line of Credit.
Jaishankar described the Water and Sanitation Projects on 28 islands as the “largest climate adaptation implemented in the Maldives with international collaboration.”
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Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “always supporting” the island nation, President Mohammad Muizzu said, “Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.”
It was a pleasure to meet @DrSJaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives. I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister @narendramodi for always supporting the Maldives. Our enduring partnership… pic.twitter.com/fYtFb5QI6Q
— Dr Mohamed Muizzu (@MMuizzu) August 10, 2024
The project will provide clean and safe drinking water to the islands and introduce a sewerage system in several islands. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the project has directly impacted the lives of more than 28,000 citizens, seven percent of its total population in the Maldives.
Jaishankar also officially handed the completed projects to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Moosa Zameer. The finished projects include water supply facilities on 22 islands, sewerage facilities on two, and combined water supply and sewerage facilities on four islands, as per a statement from President Muizzu’s office.
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Since the announcement, misinformation regarding the same has surfaced, with many confusing the collaboration as India “buying” the 28 islands of the Maldives. Furthermore, some claimed that Maldives had to buy water from China. However, that is not the case. In two separate batches in March and May. China gifted 3,000 metric tonnes of water from the Tibetan glaciers to the island nation in a diplomatic move. Notably, China’s alleged exploitation of Tibet’s water resources has met with opposition in India.
On August 11, Jaishankar concluded his three-day visit to the Maldives as part of building the relationship between India and the island nation, maintaining peace and stability. After President Muizzu assumed office in November 2023, India’s relationship with the Maldives has been strained.
