India to build police academy, convention centres for Maldives

As part of 100 million Maldivian rufiyaa grant aid announced during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to the Maldives in March 2019, India will be building two projects in the country. 

The projects include Police Academy in Dhaalu Atoll and Convention Centre in Ukulhas, Alif Alif Atoll. The total cost of both the projects will be $960,000.

Maldivian foreign ministry said, "The purpose of Police Academy is to provide modern training to police officers, and the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform their duties efficiently and effectively."

"The aim of the grant assistance is to conduct socio-economic development projects across the country which are of high impact,'' Ministry added.

The development comes even as reports emerged that India and Japan are planning to build part of Colombo port in Sri Lanka even as Chinese attempts to make inroads in the region, especially through its belt and road initiative.

During Sushma Swaraj's visit in March, Maldives requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is currently looking into.

Interestingly, Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid met with a delegation from Board of Control For Cricket in India (BCCI) led by General Manager, Cricket Operations Saba Karim on Tuesday.

There has been a number of high-level visits between the two countries since the new government came. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, 2018 followed by visits of Maldivian Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid and President Solih had that year itself.