India agrees to extend debt repayment deadline for Maldives: foreign minister
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During his first bilateral official visit to India from May 8 to 10, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer highlighted significant progress in expediting India-assisted projects in the Maldives.
He reiterated the government's commitment to prioritize the resumption and completion of these projects.
Zameer engaged in bilateral discussions with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar on May 9 to address crucial matters aimed at expediting projects initiated with India's financial assistance. Discussions centered on the operational dynamics of committees entrusted with executing these projects, as reported by psmnews.mv.
At a press conference held in the President's Office, Zameer disclosed that India has agreed to extend the repayment deadline for $150 million of a $200 million debt owed by the Maldives. The loan was secured by the previous government upon assuming office in 2019.
Highlighting that $50 million of the debt was repaid in January, Zameer emphasized that India has not made any demands in exchange for extending the repayment period. He underlined the spectrum of initiatives kickstarted across the Maldives through loans and grants from India during the previous administration.
Zameer emphasized the current government's commitment to prioritize the resumption and completion of India-assisted projects, reiterating his dedication to this endeavor during his recent visit to India.
During the official discussions, Jaishankar reiterated the significance of India's ongoing projects in the Maldives.
Zameer's visit occurred amidst strained bilateral ties between the two countries since pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office six months ago. Relations soured further as Muizzu insisted on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel operating three military platforms in the island nation.
Zameer revealed that 76 Indian military personnel were replaced by civilian employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the manufacturer of two helicopters gifted by India. This action addressed the Maldives' request, indicating progress in resolving the issue.
However, the Maldives government clarified that it has no intention of removing Indian doctors from Senahiya.