India’s Union Cabinet Approves India-Maldives MoU for the Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Service by Sea
3 July 2019
The Cabinet of the Government of India approved ex-post facto the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Service by Sea between India and Maldives. The proposed ferry service would promote people to people contact and boost bilateral trade, according to a news release by the Government of India.
The cities of Malé and Kulhudhuffushi in Maldives hold good potential to introduce the proposed ferry service to and from Kochi, India. Malé, the capital city, is 708 kilometers away from Kochi. Kulhudhuffushi, the third most populous city, is located 509 km away. Along with other islands surrounding it, it has numerous resorts that could serve as tourist destinations. Connectivity by sea could also help grow India’s health, wellness, and education sector by inviting more Maldivians to travel to India for these purposes, noted the news release.
The MoU for the Establishment of Passenger and Cargo Service by Sea between the Ministry of Shipping of the Government of India and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of the Government of Maldives was signed on 8 June 2019 during the visit of India Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Maldives. It seeks to tap into the opportunities of linking India and Maldives by sea.
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