The pact on extending a Standby Credit Facility and an Air Services Agreement was signed after talks Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had with visiting Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed.
The two leaders identified drug transit and control as important issues to be dealt with and India offered to train Maldivian police forces for this. The two countries also agreed to make joint efforts for effective prevention of drug trafficking.
Nasheed, whose electoral win on October 28 ended 30-year one-party rule of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, asked the host to conduct a professional course for Maldivian diplomats next year, which was agreed to.
The two sides expressed their commitment to enhance their defence and security relations based on shared maritime threats and other security concerns.
Nasheed, who as leader of the opposition had spent considerable time in India, condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai as the two sides emphasised the need for concerted and coordinated action by the international community to prevent, combat and eradicate terrorism.
Besides Singh, the Maldivian President will also meet with Vice President Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Leader of the Opposition L K Advani.
Nasheed also called on President Pratibha Patil who hosted a banquet in his honour.
Of 100 million credit facility, 50 million dollars would be used for imports from India while the remaining 50 per cent will be for budgetary support.
Source: hindu.com
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