Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid has hailed a major milestone in the Greater Male Connectivity Project, describing it as a reflection of the enduring friendship and shared progress between India and Maldives.

He emphasised that the initiative, launched during his tenure, stands as a symbol of trust and commitment between the two nations.

Shahid expressed his gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, acknowledging their leadership in realising this vision for the Maldivian people. He noted that India’s support has been crucial in advancing Maldives’ development and strengthening bilateral ties.

His remarks came in response to an announcement by India in the Maldives, which confirmed the completion of a key milestone in the project. The final bridge segment connecting Male with Villingili has been officially placed, bringing seamless connectivity between the islands significantly closer.

The Greater Male Connectivity Project is one of India’s flagship infrastructure initiatives in the Maldives. It aims to link Male with Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands, thereby improving transport, economic activity and social integration across the archipelago.

The project is widely regarded as the largest infrastructure undertaking in the Maldives and a cornerstone of India’s development partnership in the region.

The development comes at a time of continued focus on India-Maldives relations and broader regional cooperation. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has recently called for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, urging member states to resolve differences through dialogue.

He stated that Maldives was ready to play the role of mediator to break the deadlock and encourage renewed negotiations in the interest of peace and cooperation.

India has reiterated its support for regional cooperation but has also pointed to Pakistan as the primary obstacle to SAARC’s progress. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked that all South Asian nations are aware of which country and what activities have stymied SAARC, stressing that genuine cooperation requires goodwill.

The milestone in the Greater Male Connectivity Project not only strengthens India-Maldives ties but also highlights the importance of regional collaboration in South Asia. It underscores India’s role as a reliable partner in infrastructure development and reflects the shared vision of both nations for prosperity and stability in the region.

ANI