Mon Oct 07 16:12:23 UTC 2024: ## India and Maldives Strengthen Ties with Runway Inauguration and RuPay Card Launch
**New Delhi, India:** India and the Maldives took a significant step towards boosting economic ties and tourism cooperation on Monday with the inauguration of a new runway at Hanimadhoo International Airport and the official launch of the RuPay card in the archipelago nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu virtually inaugurated the runway, built under an Indian Line of Credit of USD 132 million, and witnessed a live RuPay transaction in the Maldives. The events followed extensive talks between the two leaders, aimed at charting a new path for future collaboration.
The new runway at Hanimadhoo International Airport is part of an ongoing expansion project that will provide complete new infrastructure, including a runway, ATC tower, ARFF block, hangar, cargo facilities, and passenger terminal building. The project is expected to enhance the Maldives’ tourism potential.
The launch of the RuPay card in the Maldives aims to facilitate cashless transactions for Indian tourists, reducing costs and increasing convenience, particularly in the tourism sector. The card is seen as a key component in strengthening India-Maldives relations.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the historical and special relationship between India and the Maldives, noting the progress made in deepening the ties for the betterment of both nations.
The event also included the handover of 700 social housing units to the Maldives, built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.
President Muizzu’s visit to India, his first bilateral trip since attending Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June, signifies the growing importance of the bilateral relationship.
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