Hummingbird News Desk
NEW DELHI, 25 MAY: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the opening of a new consulate general in Addu City, Maldives in reflection of the importance India attaches to its ties with the strategically located island nation.
An official statement said India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. Maldives occupies an important place in the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision of the Government of India.
The government said opening of a Consulate General in Addu City will help augment India’s diplomatic presence in Maldives and make it commensurate with the existing and aspired level of engagement.
The momentum and energy in the bilateral relationship has reached unprecedented levels under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ibrahim Solih, the statement said.
The government described the decision to open the new consulate is a forward-looking step in pursuit of India’s national priority of growth and development or ‘SabkaSaathSabka Vikas’. Augmentation of India’s diplomatic presence will, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services, the government said adding that this would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with India’s goal of a self-reliant India or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
