Sushma Swaraj in Maldives, discusses Indian-aided projects

Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Monday met Maldivian Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon here and discussed issues of bilateral interest, including upcoming projects in the Maldives executed with Indian assistance.

Sushma Swaraj met Maumoon during her transit halt at Male on her return journey from Mauritius, where she paid a three-day official visit.

"Both ministers discussed matters of bilateral importance, including upcoming projects in the Maldives executed with India's assistance," said an official source.

During the meeting, Sushma Swaraj extended Victory Day greetings to the people of the Maldives and Foreign Minister Maumoon and reiterated India's strong commitment towards prosperity, stability and security of the Maldives.

Dunya Maumoon is the daughter of long-time ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the niece of current Maldives President Abdulla Yameen.

Sushma Swaraj noted that India and the Maldives were entering the 50th year of establishment of diplomatic relations and many events would be organised in the coming year to commemorate this important milestone in the bilateral relationship, the source said.

Sushma Swaraj's talks in the Maldives are significant in the wake of the Maldivian government's decision last month to terminate the agreement with India-based Tatva Global Renewable Energy to provide waste management services in the capital Male and nearby areas.

The termination of the project was the latest in a number of terminated or renegotiated contracts signed under the previous government of Mohamed Nasheed.

The agreement faced delays following the fall of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government in 2012.

A $190 million housing project in Male by India's Tata Group was delayed for more than two years pending renegotiation of the original terms agreed with Nasheed's MDP government.

The project was renegotiated in late September.

The most prominent Indian project hit by the change in government was the $511 million lease to develop Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male, which was terminated in November 2012 after the contract was declared void by former president Mohamed Waheed's government.

GMR challenged the legality of the move in a Singapore court of arbitration, following which the contract was deemed "valid and binding".

The government of the Maldives is now liable for damages.

Though the figure owed is yet to be determined by the court, it is expected to be considerably less than the $1.4 billion claimed by GMR, said Minivan News.

A team of Chinese surveyors is expected in the Maldives soon to carry out a survey for Male-Hulhule bridge. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Maldives in September, ahead of his India visit.