India, Maldives to hold delegation-level talks in Delhi today

Maldivian President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who arrived here yesterday on his first official visit after assuming office in November, will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today.

The Maldivian President will also meet his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan here this evening.

He will also discuss key bilateral and regional issues with the Indian leadership amid assertions by New Delhi that the visit will enhance ties.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the visit would provide an opportunity to further enhance the close and multifaceted relations between India and the Maldives.

Gayoom's visit would also reveal India's stand on offering assistance to Maldives and restart work on vital projects that were stalled.

In 2012, Maldives cancelled its biggest foreign investment project, a $511 million deal with Indian firm GMR Group to develop its international airport, raising questions over the future of foreign investment in the islands renowned for luxury resorts.