India gifts Maldives first high-speed ferry under 12-ferry transport link project

Key facts

• India handed over the first of 12 high-speed ferries to the Maldives to launch Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls.
• The ferry was built with Indian assistance under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III MoU signed in January 2025.
• India will provide a total of 12 high-speed ferries to the Maldives as part of the existing agreement.
• India signed 13 MoUs with the Maldives on 18 May 2024 for enhancing ferry services under HICDP Phase III with an MVR 100 million grant.
• The total grant for the 13 projects under HICDP Phase III amounts to MVR 100 million (about ₹55.28 crore).
• Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G Balasubramaniam stated that India has provided USD 29.5 million to the Maldives over four phases for transport, sports, coastal protection, health, and education projects.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives in July 2024 and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu visited India in October 2024.