'Maldivian professionals trained in India are true ambassadors strengthening bilateral ties'

Maldivian professionals who undergo training under various Indian programs serve as the true ambassadors bridging and strengthening relations between the two nations, Deputy High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Kumar Gaurav, has stated while relaying the remarks of High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian.

Gaurav delivered the High Commissioner’s message while addressing the official reception held to commemorate ITEC Day 2026. The ceremony was graced by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Dr. Ismail Shafeeu.

Conveying High Commissioner Balasubramanian’s sentiments, Gaurav noted that while official diplomats represent their governments, it is the alumni who truly nurture the bond between the peoples.

“We are officially designated diplomats, but I believe you are our true ambassadors, strengthening people-to-people connect and bringing the two governments closer!” the High Commissioner’s message read.

He further emphasized that the actual impact of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme is not measured merely by the certificates awarded, but by the tangible contributions made by participants to their institutions and communities upon returning home.

Highlighting India’s ongoing commitment to human resource development in the Maldives, Gaurav shared that over 4,200 Maldivian professionals have received training in India across various sectors over the past six to seven years through wider institutional partnerships. This includes:

• 1,269 civil servants trained under the MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), India, and the Civil Service Commission of Maldives;  

• 334 local council and government officials trained under the MoU between LGA and NIRDPR;  

• 360 customs officers trained under the partnership between Maldives Customs Service and CBIC;  

• 323 judicial officers trained via the Judicial Service Commission and NJAI collaboration; and  

• 1,948 MNDF personnel trained under defence capacity-building programs since 2014.

Reflecting on the core philosophy behind India’s capacity-building initiatives, the High Commissioner underscored that true friendship transcends geography.

“We have always believed that the true measure of a friendship is not how big you are, but how much you are willing to share. In that spirit, when it comes to knowledge, experience and expertise, India is always happy to share.”

Gaurav also noted that India’s training initiatives do not follow a generic formula, but instead adapt to the Maldives’ specific development priorities guided by the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.

Concluding his remarks with a reference to the iconic Bollywood song from Sholay, Gaurav relayed the High Commissioner’s reaffirmation of the enduring nature of the bilateral bond.

“I am reminded of the iconic song from Sholay — ‘Yeh dosti hum nahin todenge!’ And I can assure you, when it comes to India and Maldives, this is one friendship we intend to keep and nurture — not just for the duration of a three-hour Bollywood film, but for generations to come!”