India’s continued development partnership with the Maldives stands as a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations, with several landmark projects reflecting New Delhi’s commitment to supporting the island nation’s growth across sectors ranging from healthcare and education to infrastructure and fisheries.
Healthcare cooperation
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male remains a key symbol of India’s assistance to the Maldives. Conceived during the visit of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in February 1986, the 200-bed facility was inaugurated in April 1995 by then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. Named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, IGMH is the largest public healthcare institution in the country.
India had initially deployed 72 medical professionals to help operationalise the hospital. A major renovation, supported by India at a cost of ₹52 crore, was inaugurated in March 2019 by then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Strengthening technical education
India has also contributed to capacity-building in technical education through the establishment of the Maldives Institute of Technical Education (MITE), now known as the Faculty of Engineering Technology (FET). The foundation stone was laid in 1993 following an agreement during Prime Minister V.P. Singh’s visit in 1990. The completed institute was handed over in 1996 and has since been pivotal in training Maldivian youth in vocational and technical disciplines.
Tourism education
In a bid to bolster the Maldives’ hospitality sector, India supported the construction of the India-Maldives Friendship Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies. The foundation stone was jointly laid by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in 2002. The eight-storey modern facility was officially handed over in February 2014 by then External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid. With a capacity for over 200 full-time students, the institute serves as a centre of excellence for tourism and hospitality studies.
Largest Indian grant project supports law enforcement training
The National College for Police and Law Enforcement (NCPLE), located in Addu City, is India’s largest grant-funded project in the Maldives. Built with ₹222.98 crore in grant assistance, the college was inaugurated in March 2022 during the visit of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The institution is designed to enhance the training capabilities of Maldives’ police and law enforcement agencies.
Land reclamation in Addu to spur urban growth
India has also supported the Addu Reclamation Project under an \$80 million Line of Credit. A total of 184 hectares of land has been reclaimed to facilitate urban and economic development in Addu City. The project was inaugurated on August 11, 2024, during EAM Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to the country.
Water and sanitation
Improving basic infrastructure has also remained a focus area. Under a Line of Credit worth \$107.31 million, water and sanitation projects have been completed across 34 islands. Of these, 28 projects have already been handed over to the Maldivian government. The initiative is aimed at enhancing public health and environmental sustainability.
Fisheries infra
In support of the Maldives’ crucial fisheries sector, a new ice plant with a daily production capacity of 50 tons has been established in Gemanafushi. The facility, developed under the Indian Line of Credit, was inaugurated on February 27, 2025. It is expected to bolster fish preservation, improve export capacity, and strengthen the livelihoods of fishing communities.
India’s development footprint in the Maldives reflects a broader strategy of regional cooperation grounded in mutual respect and people-first initiatives. As both nations navigate the next phase of bilateral engagement, these enduring projects lay a strong foundation for deeper collaboration rooted in shared prosperity.