Sources from Male stated that india and the maldives on Saturday agreed to launch a ferry service connecting the two countries as PM Narendra modi and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih emphasized the need to improve connectivity. Meanwhile the two leaders have directed officials to expeditiously work towards starting a regular passenger cum cargo ferry service between kerala's Kochi and the maldives capital Male via Kulhudhuffushi atoll.
Furthermore the initiative, which is expected to boost tourism, was announced during modi's two day state visit to the Indian Ocean archipelago. Reportedly the distance between Kochi and Male is about 700 kms, and between Kochi and Kulhudhuffushi atoll is 500 kms. When addressing the Maldivian Parliament, modi said "I am particularly happy that we have agreed upon a ferry service between the two countries".
Moreover a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the two sides for the establishment of passenger and cargo services by sea. Foreign Secretary vijay Gokhale said “This is modi's first foreign visit after his re-election as Prime Minister, reflecting the importance india attaches to its 'Neighborhood First' policy.
