Centre Approves First Ever Indian Consulate To Be Built In Maldives

The proposal for opening the first ever Indian Consulate in Maldives was cleared in the cabinet meeting on May 25 chaired by PM Narendra Modi. Likely to be opened this year, the consulate will come up in Addu City. Experts say, the government has taken this step in order to strengthen Maldives’ diplomatic presence in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Also the development is seen significant for India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.