Addu City, Maldives – India’s Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the opening of a new Consulate General of India in Addu City, Maldives in 2021
The decision was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting held yesterday.
The cabinet highlighted that 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 and that Maldives and India have many similarities in terms of tradition, religion as well as the financial market.
In addition to this, they noted that the bilateral relationship between India and Maldives has greatly improved since President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power and that the development of an Indian Consulate will increase the diplomatic presence of India in Maldives.
The cabinet also stated that, increasing the diplomatic presence of India will bring more opportunities for Indian companies as well allowing them to export their goods more efficiently.
This project is also directly linked with India’s vision to become self sufficient. Following the decision, Maldives Foreign Minister Shahid said that he will accept diplomatic missions in adherence to the Maldives constitution and the Vienna convention. Minister Shahid added that this is India’s decision and that he will not comment on it.
Update: While India has decided to establish a consulate in Addu City, the government of Maldives has yet to approve according to Indian Embassy in Maldives.
