India announces $500 million assistance for mega infra project in Maldives

Jaishankar also announced the start of regular cargo ferry service between India and Maldives to boost trade and commerce between the two countries

India will fund the implementation of a major connectivity project in Maldives through a $400 million line of credit and $100 million grant, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday after holding wide-ranging talks with his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid.

The 6.7 km Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will be the largest civilian infrastructure project in Maldives, connecting Male with three neighbouring islands -- Villingili, Gulhifahu and Thilafushi, officials said.

People familiar with the GMCP said it was a key election promise of the ruling MDP for which the President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih sought India's assistance during his meeting