In a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties, India and the Maldives have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to continue the capacity-building program for Maldivian civil service officers. The renewal was formalized during a meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Maldives’ Foreign Minister, Mr. Moosa Zameer, in Malé on August 9, 2024.
The MoU, originally signed in 2019, facilitated the training of 1,000 Maldivian civil servants by India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). This program, which covered areas such as public policy, governance, and field administration, has been hailed as a major success, contributing significantly to the professional development of Maldivian civil servants, including Permanent Secretaries and Secretary Generals.
Recognizing the positive impact of this collaboration, the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested an extension of the program. The renewed MoU will see another 1,000 Maldivian civil service officers trained by 2029, further enhancing their skills in governance and administration. The NCGG will continue to play a pivotal role in this initiative, sharing India’s expertise in citizen-centric governance, digital empowerment, and innovative public service delivery.
The NCGG’s capacity-building programs have been instrumental in promoting good governance practices across various countries, including Bangladesh, Tanzania, Gambia, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. The renewed partnership with the Maldives underscores the ongoing commitment of both nations to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration in governance and public administration.
This MoU renewal marks a new chapter in the India-Maldives partnership, reflecting the shared vision of both countries to build stronger, more effective governance frameworks. The training programs will not only benefit the Maldivian civil service but also contribute to the broader goal of enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in the region.
