Chairman of Indian Research and Information System for Developing Countries (R.I.S) and former Foreign Secretary of India Ambassador Shyam Saran has paid a courtesy call on President Mohamed Nasheed today.

At the meeting held at the President’s Office, the President highlighted the Indian government’s assistance programmes as well as ongoing development projects in partnership with Indian private sector in the Maldives.

Ambassador Saran noted that the purpose of his current visit was to follow up with the relevant Maldivian authorities on the discussions, with Indian government on deepening the Indo-Maldives relations, during President Nasheed’s visit to Indian in February.

Following up on these discussions, Ambassador Saran noted the Indian government also attached a great importance to President Nasheed’s proposition to enhance connectivity between India and the Maldives.

President Nasheed furthered his proposition to 16th SAARC Summit in 2010, to establish a ferry link between South Asian countries, during his visit to India.

Ambassador Saran also discussed with the President, potential areas cooperation between both countries to strengthen Maldivian financial sector and promote the Maldives as a tourist destination for Indian holidaymakers.

The Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), is a New Delhi based autonomous think-tank under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

RIS is envisioned as a forum for promoting effective policy dialogue and capacity-building among developing countries on international economic issues.