India to roll out red carpet for Maldives President Ibu Solih

India will roll out the red carpet for Maldives President Ibu Solih when he arrives here Monday on a four-day visit, in the backdrop of New Delhi's goal to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean Region amid political and economic instability in neighbouring Sri Lanka.

The second official visit by Solih since his election in 2018 will focus on connectivity, maritime security, trade, and economic and tourism cooperation, officials said. The Maldives has been one of the biggest recipients of India's assistance since 2020 and several infra projects have been implemented notwithstanding Covid-19. Indian tourists provided a much-needed lifeline to the Maldives once it opened up in 2020.

Solih will be accompanied by a high-level official and business delegation. Besides official engagements, here he will be holding discussion with an Indian business delegation in Delhi. Ge will also visit Mumbai to participate in business events. India has been extending full cooperation in connectivity in the Greater Male Connectivity Project, which is the largest project in that country. For this, India has extended a credit line of $400 million and also a grant of $100 million. Once the project is completed, through bridges, causeways and roads, the capital Male will be connected with Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi islands. Also, an $800 million credit line extended by India is being implemented across sectors since 2019. Foreign minister S Jaishankar visited Addu City in the Maldives in March when several agreements were signed.