New Delhi : Former President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and former Foreign Minister of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid, has welcomed a major milestone in the Greater Malé Connectivity Project (GMCP), describing it as a significant moment for the people of the Maldives and for India-Maldives cooperation.
In a statement posted on X, Shahid said he was honoured to have launched the ambitious project during his tenure as Foreign Minister. He said the friendship between India and the Maldives is rooted in mutual trust and a shared commitment to progress and development.
Shahid described the connectivity project as a symbol of India’s continued support for the Maldives and expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar for their leadership in helping translate the vision into reality.
A major milestone for the Greater Malé Connectivity Project today!
Honored to have launched this project during my tenure as Foreign Minister.
The Maldives–India friendship is built on trust and shared progress. This link is a symbol of that commitment and of India’s support… https://t.co/PlyqnFMUeC
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) August 22, 2026
The Greater Malé Connectivity Project is one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives being undertaken in the Maldives. The India-supported project aims to connect the capital Malé with the islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi through a network of bridges, causeways and roads. The project has been designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activity and support the development of key infrastructure, including the proposed Gulhifalhu Port.
India is supporting the GMCP through a USD 100 million grant and a USD 400 million Line of Credit. The project, described by India’s Ministry of External Affairs as the largest infrastructure project undertaken in the Maldives, is expected to serve as an important economic lifeline by generating employment and strengthening economic activity across the Greater Malé region.