New Delhi (NVI) India will open a new Consulate General in Addu City in Maldives this year, highlighting how the country occupies an important place in the ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy’ and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision of the Government of India.
The approval for setting up the new Consulate General was given today by the Union Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official release said.
The move comes at a time when China is making all out efforts to woo Maldives and other close neighbours of India.
“India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity. Maldives occupies an important place in the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ and the ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision of the Government of India,” the release said.
“Opening of a Consulate General in Addu City will help augment India’s diplomatic presence in Maldives and make it commensurate with the existing and aspired level of engagement,” the release said.
The government said “the momentum and energy in the bilateral relationship has reached unprecedented levels” under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Maldivian President Solih.
“This is also a forward-looking step in pursuit of our national priority of growth and development or ‘SabkaSaathSabka Vikas’,” it said.
Augmentation of India’s diplomatic presence will, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services, the release said adding this would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with our goal of a self-reliant India or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
