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India has trained more than 4,200 Maldivian professionals in the past six to seven years, with officials highlighting the role of skills development in strengthening ties between the two countries.
Mariyam Adheela
Indian Deputy High Commissioner Kumar Gaurav
MALE’: Maldivians who receive education and professional training in India are helping strengthen relations between the two countries, Indian Deputy High Commissioner Kumar Gaurav has said, conveying a message from High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian.
Speaking at the 2026 Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day ceremony, Gaurav said people who return to the Maldives after receiving training in India play an important role in maintaining close connections between the two nations.
He also stressed that the success of the ITEC programme should be measured not simply by the number of certificates awarded, but by how participants apply their skills and contribute to their communities after returning home.
Gaurav said more than 4,200 Maldivian professionals from different sectors had received training in India over the past six to seven years.
The figures include 1,269 civil service employees, 334 council officials, 360 customs officers and 323 officials from the judicial sector.
In addition, 1,948 Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) officers have completed training in India since 2014, highlighting the defence sector’s contribution to the wider training partnership.
India provides training opportunities in areas considered important to the Maldives’ development, with the programmes aligned with the country’s priorities. The cooperation also forms part of India’s broader Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Dr Ismail Shafeeu as the guest of honour.
