How is PM Modi Expanding the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' Initiative Globally?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi and President Muizzu planted mango saplings to support tree planting initiatives.
- The collaboration addresses pressing climate change challenges.
- The new Ministry of Defence building enhances bilateral security cooperation.
- BHISHM cubes provide essential healthcare support during emergencies.
- New MOUs strengthen ties in multiple sectors.
Male, July 25 (NationPress) Demonstrating their unwavering dedication to environmental preservation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu planted mango saplings on Friday, contributing to India's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' (Plant for Mother) initiative alongside the Maldives' 'Pledge of 5 Million Tree Plantations' campaign.
“India and the Maldives recognize the pressing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. We are committed to enhancing sustainability. This evening in Male, President Muizzu and I planted saplings, reinforcing the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and the Maldives’ commitment to planting five million trees,” PM Modi shared on X.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's dedication to supporting the Maldives and its citizens, aligning with their needs and priorities, and fostering peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Additionally, both leaders inaugurated the modern Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in Male. This 11-storey structure, overlooking the Indian Ocean, symbolizes the robust and enduring defence and security collaboration between the two nations.
Financed by India, the MoD building aims to enhance the capabilities of the Maldives' defence and law enforcement authorities.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi presented two units of Aarogya Maitri Health Cube [BHISHM] to the Maldivian Government. Equipped with advanced medical tools, these cubes can provide assistance to 200 casualties and support a team of six medical personnel for up to 72 hours.
“I presented the BHISHM cubes to President Muizzu, reaffirming our commitment to serving the people. The Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) symbolizes India’s dedication to prompt and compassionate healthcare support. These deployable medical units contain essential medications and equipment for emergency care,” stated PM Modi.
Earlier, the two leaders witnessed the signing of six MOUs covering fisheries, aquaculture, meteorology, digital public infrastructure, UPI, Indian pharmacopoeia, and a concessional Line of Credit. The new Line of Credit offers ₹4850 crores (approximately USD 550 million) for infrastructure development in the Maldives.
An Amendatory Agreement for the existing Line of Credit (LoC) was also established, reducing Maldives's annual debt repayment by 40% (from USD 51 million to USD 29 million). Both sides exchanged Terms of Reference for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Moreover, the leaders virtually inaugurated a roads and drainage system project in Addu city and six High Impact Community Development Projects in various cities. Prime Minister Modi also handed over 3,300 social housing units and 72 vehicles for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and immigration authorities.