India has gifted the Maldives its first high-speed ferry to launch new transport link services between key atolls. The ferry, built with Indian assistance, marks the beginning of Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls. The initiative is part of India’s ongoing support under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III agreement. The move strengthens maritime connectivity and reflects India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy.
India Maldives Ferry Project: First High-Speed Ferry Delivered
- India has delivered the first high-speed ferry among 12 planned under the HICDP Phase III agreement signed in January 2025.
- The ferry will operate under the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) system connecting Faafu and Dhaalu Atolls.
- Indian High Commissioner to Maldives G. Balasubramaniam reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting essential public services in the island nation.
- The India Maldives ferry project aims to enhance connectivity, boost local mobility, and support economic activities across remote islands.
HICDP Phase III and Grant Assistance Details
The high-speed ferry Maldives project is part of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III. In May 2025, India signed 13 MoUs with Maldives for ferry service expansion and community development.
Key details,
- Total grant: MVR 100 million (approx. ₹55 crore)
- 12 high-speed ferries to be delivered
- Focus: Maritime connectivity and livelihood support
Under four phases, India has provided USD 29.5 million assistance for transport, sports infrastructure, coastal protection, health, and education projects in Maldives.
Strengthening India-Maldives Ties Under Neighbourhood First
- The ferry project aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Maldives in July 2025, while Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu visited India in October 2024.
- These high-level exchanges highlight improving bilateral relations and maritime cooperation.
- Maldives remains a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), making connectivity projects strategically important.
Why Raajje Transport Link (RTL) Matters
The Raajje Transport Link is a nationwide ferry network designed to improve inter-island transport. Maldives consists of dispersed atolls, making marine transport essential for daily life and economic activities.
Benefits of RTL ferry services,
- Affordable and reliable transport
- Boost to tourism and fisheries
- Improved access to healthcare and education
- Strengthened local economies
The India Maldives ferry project directly supports grassroots development and island connectivity.
What is India’s Neighborhood First Policy?
| Overview | - Launched in 2008, it guides India’s engagement with its immediate neighbors: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- Focuses on enhancing physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity, as well as boosting trade and commerce.
- Adopted across government departments as a key framework for regional diplomacy and development.
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| Significance | - Countering Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region.
- Strengthening India’s leadership in multilateral forums, representing Global South interests.
- Ensuring territorial integrity and managing separatist threats.
- Increasing maritime security and tackling transnational challenges.
- Securing energy imports, especially oil and gas via sea routes.
- Bridging development gaps, particularly in northeastern India.
- Leveraging soft power diplomacy through cultural and historical ties.
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| Challenges | - Geopolitical tensions and border disputes.
- Implementation difficulties in cross-border projects.
- Economic disparities among neighboring countries affecting cooperation.
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| Major Initiatives | - SAARC: Promoting regional cooperation; effectiveness limited by India-Pakistan tensions.
- BIMSTEC: Economic, security, and cultural collaboration around the Bay of Bengal.
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| Infrastructure Projects | - BBIN Initiative – Road and rail connectivity (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal).
- Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project – India-Myanmar-Southeast Asia connectivity.
- Chabahar Port – Strategic port in Iran for Afghanistan and Central Asia access.
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Question
Q. India gifted the first high-speed ferry to which country in 2026?
A) Sri Lanka
B) Maldives
C) Mauritius
D) Seychelles
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