Maldives President to head high level delegation to India

After highlighting the threat to his atoll nation from rising sea waters by holding an underwater cabinet meet, Maldivian President Mohammad Nasheed is to visit India from Wednesday to attend a conference on climate change and review the bilateral ties.

Nasheed would be accompanied by a high level delegation comprising ministers, MPs, businessmen and media persons, official sources said from capital Male.

He is visiting India on the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and would be the guest of honour at ‘Delhi High Level Conference on Climate Change and Technology Transfer’, the sources said.

During his five-day visit from October 21-25, Nasheed will meet the Indian Prime Minister, reiterating commitment to strong bilateral relations. Both sides will review ongoing cooperation in the field of health, education, economic projects and developmental assistance.

"India is likely to provide further assistance to renovate and strengthen the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Malé", the sources said.

Both the countries are expected to agree to work together on climate change issues and have a regular dialogue on the subject.