It is meant to facilitate and strengthen technical cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of India and the government of Maldives on cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development.

The MoU was signed between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India and Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Government of Maldives on February 20 and will remain in force for an indefinite period.

The cabinet noted that the objectives of the MoU are to facilitate and strengthen India-Maldives technical cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development including Urban Planning, Smart Cities Development, Solid waste management, Affordable housing, Urban Green Mobility, Urban Mass Rapid Transport, smart cities development and any other related area mutually agreed by contracting parties and generate employment in these areas.

India and Maldives enjoy cordial bilateral relations as neighboring countries sharing maritime borders. The ties have been refurbished with regular bilateral visits from both sides.

The MoU will promote strong, deep and long-term bilateral cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development between the two countries.

A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to strategize and implement programmes on cooperation under the framework of the MoU. The JWG will meet once in a year, alternately in Maldives and in India.