Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives Akhilesh Mishra has stated that India wishes to empower Maldivians and will carry out projects that will make this a reality.
In a special interview to Avas, Mishra said that the "relations between India and Maldives are based on longstanding historical, cultural and trade ties going back to several centuries" and "go far beyond the formal, diplomatic interactions".
Stating that he will seek to nurture and further strengthen this relationship at a grassroots level, aiming to foster better relations between the people of the two nations.
"I am specifically exploring fresh ideas for boosting mutually beneficial linkages in trade and business, education, healthcare, tourism, culture and entertainment, information technology and innovation sectors. I believe it would be a beneficial for us to be guided by the priorities of the Maldivian side and encourage partnerships which are self-sustaining and create jobs and empowerment of our Maldivian brothers and sisters," he said.
Mishra called on the private sector to get more involved in this process, calling for constructive suggestions and ideas from Maldives.
Praising the pace of economic development, state of health and education facilities, he said he was more impressed by creativity and talent of Maldivian youth.
"Everywhere I have visited in Maldives, I have been impressed by the pace of economic development, state of health and education facilities and the creativity and talent of Maldivian youth." he said.
Mishra, whose diplomatic career has spanned years in nations such as Canada, Peru, Bangladesh among others, said he was closely working with the Dhivehi Language Academy to bolster Dhivehi language appreciation.
Editor's note: The full interview in both English and in Dhivehi will appear over the weekend.
