India, Maldives Launch Major Infrastructure Projects

India and the Maldives celebrated the inauguration of significant infrastructure projects funded by New Delhi in Addu City. These initiatives, launched during the presidency of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, mark a milestone in the bilateral partnership aimed at regional development.

The cornerstone of the $80 million initiative is the Addu reclamation and shore protection project. This ambitious undertaking involved the reclamation of 184 hectares of land earlier this year. The project is designed to bolster tourism and stimulate economic growth in Addu, positioning the city as a regional hub. The Indian Minister of External Affairs, who attended the joint inauguration with his Maldivian counterpart, highlighted the project’s role in fostering overall regional development.

In addition to the reclamation project, India is supporting the redevelopment of roads and drainage systems in Addu with a $70 million investment. This project, now nearing its final phase, includes the construction of the Addu-Detour link road. This key infrastructure component is expected to significantly enhance connectivity within the atoll, improving transportation and logistical efficiency. Another pivotal project under Indian assistance is the redevelopment of Gan International Airport. This upgrade aims to strengthen the connectivity between Addu Atoll and the broader Maldives, as well as international destinations. By improving infrastructure, the project is expected to attract more investment and boost tourism in Gan and the southern atolls.

The Indian government has emphasised its commitment to impactful community development, with a portfolio of 65 ongoing projects in the Maldives, including 12 in Addu. Five of these projects have already been completed, demonstrating a successful model of high-impact community development that India plans to expand. Over recent years, India has invested approximately $220 million in infrastructure and development projects across Addu, reflecting the deepening cooperation and mutual commitment to regional progress.