The Maldives on August 2 signed a cyber security agreement with India as both sides affirmed bilateral will to strengthen ties to take on “transnational crimes and terrorism” in the Indian Ocean region. Addressing the media after the signing of six agreements, President Ibrahim ‘Ibu’ Solih expressed gratitude to India for the help extended to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and for providing a landing craft and utility vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force.
“The MoU signed today on cyber security aims to promote closer cooperation and exchange of information pertaining to cyber security in accordance to our domestic laws, rules and regulation and based on equality, reciprocity and mutual benefit,” said Mr. Solih after officials on both sides exchanged agreements covering areas like women and child development, disaster management and infrastructure development.
Before that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr. Solih participated remotely in the pouring of the first concrete of the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) that would include a 6.74 km bridge and the causeway linking capital Male with the neighbouring islands. The $500 million project is being financed by India. India on Tuesday also extended a $100 million new Line of Credit to finance infrastructure projects in the Maldives.
