Cabinet approves opening of a new Consulate General of India in Addu City, Maldives

Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved opening of a new consulate in Maldivian city of Addu, in reflection of importance India attaches to its ties with strategically located island nation.

government said opening of consulate will help augment India''s diplomatic presence in Maldives and make it commensurate with "existing and aspired level" of engment.

India''s decision to expand its diplomatic presence in Maldives comes amid China''s consistent efforts to increase its influence in island nation.

" Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved opening of a new consulate general of India in Addu City, Maldives in 2021," an official statement said.

Maldives is one of India''s key maritime neighbour in Indian Ocean Region and occupies a central and special place in prime minister''s vision of SAGAR -- ''Security and Growth for All in Region''.

Currently, India is developing projects worth USD 2 billion covering a large number of areas like ports, roads, bridges, water and sanitation systems as well as socio-ecomic development

It said momentum and energy in bilateral relationship reached "unprecedented levels" under leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Ibrahim Solih.

government described decision to open new consulate as a "forward-looking step" in pursuit of India''s national priority of growth and development for all.

"This is also a forward-looking step in pursuit of our national priority of growth and development or ''Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas''," it said.

government said augmenting India''s diplomatic presence will in that country, inter-alia, provide market access for Indian companies and bolster Indian exports of goods and services

"This would have a direct impact in augmenting domestic production and employment in line with our goal of a self-reliant India or ''Atmanirbhar Bharat''," it added.