The union cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of India, Government of Maldives, Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on cooperation in the area of Sustainable Urban Development. The MoU between India and Maldives was signed in February this year.

As per the official statement, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be formed to plan and execute programmes on cooperation under the framework of the MoU. The Joint Working Group will convene once a year, alternately in India and Maldives.

The MoU will encourage strong, deep and long-term bilateral cooperation in the realm of Sustainable Urban Development within the two countries. The MoU is anticipated to generate employment in the field of sustainable urban development including Urban Green Mobility, Urban Planning, Affordable Housing, Urban Mass Rapid Transport, Smart Cities Development, Solid Waste Management.

The MoU that came into effect on 20 February 2021 (the date of signing by the two contracting parties), will remain in power for an indefinite term. MoU aims to promote and advance India-Maldives' technical cooperation in Sustainable Urban Development, including Urban Green Mobility, Urban Planning, Affordable Housing, Urban Mass Rapid Transport, Smart Cities Development, Solid Waste Management, and any other related field mutually accepted by contracting parties.

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