(MENAFN- Gulf Times) India and the Maldives yesterday agreed to deepen co-operation to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean region as New Delhi extended lines of credit worth $1.4bn to the archipelago nation following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The two sides also signed four agreements, including on cultural co-operation, IT and electronics cooperation and on improving the ecosystem for agribusiness.
'President Solih and I agree that to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean region, we need to deepen our co-operation, Modi said while jointly addressing the media with Solih after the talks.
'Both India and the Maldives share equal interest and stake in the development and stability of our region, he said.
Stating that the security interests of the two countries are related to each other, Modi said that there is also unanimity on the sustainability of this region and to be conscious of each
other's interests and concerns.
'We will not allow the use of our countries to harm each other, he said.
'I want to work together with President Solih for the bright future of our region, and utilise all possibilities in the relationship between India and
Maldives.
According to a joint statement issued following the talks, both leaders agreed to strengthen co-operation to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean region through coordinated patrolling and aerial surveillance, exchange of information
and capacity building.
'The two leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and support for increased cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations both within the region and elsewhere, it stated.
'Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral co-operation on issues of common concern, including piracy, terrorism, organised crime, drugs and
human trafficking.
Prime Minister Modi called for boosting connectivity between India and the Maldives saying that better connectivity will lead to exchange of goods and services, information,
ideas, culture and people.
He assured Solih of strengthening the two nations' partnership in health, human resource development, infrastructure, agriculture, capacity building, ICT and tourism.
In this connection, Modi offered additional 1,000 seats in India for Maldivian nationals for training and capacity building.
The prime minister also called for boosting commercial relations and bilateral trade.
'I welcome the growing opportunities for investment by Indian companies in the
Maldives, he said.
According to the joint statement, both leaders agreed to promote closer economic cooperation in sectors such as fisheries development, tourism, transportation, connectivity, health, education, information technology, new and renewable energy and communications.
On his part, Solih said that during the discussions, both sides reaffirmed their
commitment to democracy.
'We agreed on the mutual need for regional stability and security in the Indian Ocean, he said.
Solih reaffirmed his government's India-First Policy, and commitment to working
together closely with India.
'He appreciated the generous assistance provided by the government of India to Maldives, and identified various areas for developmental cooperation, including private sector involvement in development of housing and infrastructure, water and sewerage systems in the outlying islands, healthcare, education and tourism, it stated.
External Affairs Minister Suhma Swaraj also called on the visiting dignitary and discussed all aspects of the bilateral ties.
Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated after Solih's predecessor Abdulla Yameen imposed an internal emergency in February this year. Yameen was also seen as leaning towards China sidelining India.
Solih defeated Yameen in the elections in September to take over as president.
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