New runway & RuPay Card launch to boost tourism to Maldives

To boost connectivity and strengthen economic ties, India and the Maldives inaugurated a new runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport and officially launched the RuPay card. These initiatives aim to enhance tourism, facilitate financial transactions and foster greater bilateral cooperation between the two nations, marking a milestone in their growing partnership.

According to a press statement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu virtually inaugurated the runway at Hanimaadhoo International Airport and witnessed a live RuPay card transaction in the Maldives.

It adds that the inauguration of the new runway marks a significant milestone in the airport’s ongoing expansion project. Redeveloped under an Indian line of credit of USD 132 million, the project aims to provide comprehensive new infrastructure, including a runway, ATC tower, ARFF block, hangar, cargo facilities and passenger terminal building.

It further adds that the launch followed extensive talks between the two leaders, during which Muizzu stated that they aimed to ‘chart a new path for the future’.

The statement adds that before launching various India-assisted projects in the Maldives, a short official video was presented at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, detailing these initiatives.

The video narrated that the bonds between India and the Maldives stretch back centuries, woven through rich trade and cultural exchanges. This relationship has evolved, marked by ‘mutual respect and unwavering support’.

The two countries say that the RuPay card launch will also strengthen India-Maldives relations by boosting tourism and economic cooperation. It will enable Indian tourists to make cashless transactions easily, reducing costs and enhancing convenience in the Maldives tourism sector.

The statement adds that India has handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives, constructed under the Indian EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.