On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a significant water and sanitation project worth USD 110 million to Maldives, funded by India. Covering 28 islands, the project was virtually inaugurated by Jaishankar, who is in Male for a three-day official visit from August 9 to 11. During the virtual event, Jaishankar highlighted that the development partnership between India and Maldives aims to address the needs and priorities of the Maldivian people and government.
“Our development partnership is driven by the needs and priorities of the people and the Government of Maldives and is a judicious mix of grants, loans, budgetary support, capacity building and training assistance. We are now entering a phase where many of these projects are getting realised on the ground, delivering tangible benefits to the common people,” said Jaishankar.
Jaishankar also pointed out the challenges of climate change, especially for small island developing states like the Maldives, and stressed the need to address issues related to freshwater availability and access. He mentioned that this initiative is in line with India’s own programs, “Har Ghar Jal” (Water to Every Home) and “Swachh Bharat” (Clean India).
“In our efforts to expand the scope and benefits of development cooperation, we are mindful of the challenges posed by climate change, especially, for small island developing states such as the Maldives, which are even more vulnerable to the vagaries of rising sea levels. One of the immediate concerns is the availability and access of freshwater resources,” said Jaishankar.
“It has been our objective to provide ecologically sustainable low-cost solutions to our development partners so that they are not only able to access potable water but also have the capability to treat sewage, thereby, protecting the delicate ecology of these islands and atolls. This finds resonance in our own initiatives in India of ‘Har Ghar Jal’ and ‘Swachha Bharat’, i.e, ‘Water to Every Home’ and ‘Clean India,” he added.
This project has provided safe drinking water to 32 islands and established a sewerage system in 17 islands.
“I am happy to note that this has directly impacted the lives of 28,000 Maldivians I believe. Under this project, the latest technologies have been used to provide clean drinking water and safe sewerage disposal. In addition, the buildings are also equipped with solar energy providing support to the island grids. With a total funding of USD 110 million, this is the largest climate adaptation implemented in Maldives with international collaboration,” the EAM said.
He also expressed hope that this project will enhance the lives of women on the islands, who are primarily tasked with collecting clean water.
“It is also significant to note that the completion of this project has supplemented the Government of Maldives’ endeavours in reaching its Sustainable Development Goals by establishing climate-resilient and cost-effective water and sewerage systems. I am sure that this will go a long way in improving the lives of the women on these islands who bear the primary burden of fetching clean water,” Jaishankar said.
“India-Maldives development cooperation embodies the motto of our partnership – ‘Imagined by Maldives, Delivered by India’. It will be our endeavour to harness this defining feature of our relationship and scale greater heights. And I hope President with your guidance and encouragement, our joint efforts, our joint activities and our shared vision will form an important milestone in the journey of our two nations together,” he added.
Earlier on Saturday, Jaishankar met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, reaffirming New Delhi’s dedication to enhancing India-Maldives relations for the mutual benefit of both countries and the broader region.
Muizzu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their consistent support of the island nation. He added that the “enduring partnership” between New Delhi and Male is strengthening the ties between the two countries through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange.
EAM Jaishankar’s visit is his first trip to the Maldives since his reappointment for a second term. It follows the recent visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to India for the swearing-in ceremony of the new cabinet and council of ministers.