Indian PM: India will continue to support Maldives’ COVID efforts

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (R) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) pose for a picture. (File Photo)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated India’s commitment to extending support to Maldives to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

He provided the assurance in a tweet on Saturday evening, wishing Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih a speedy recovery and good health, after he confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19.

“Our best wishes are with you and the people of Maldives in successfully overcoming the challenges of COVID. India will continue to extend full support to your efforts,” he said.

India had been one of the biggest supporters to Maldives during the ongoing pandemic. Maldives had launched its vaccination campaign last year with 100,000 doses of Covishield donated by India.

President Solih learnt he had contracted COVID-19 when that he underwent testing last Friday in preparation of a campaign visit to Sh. Foakaidhoo.

“By the Grace of Almighty Allah, I am doing well. I am currently in home isolation,” said President Solih in a tweet on Saturday morning, confirming his test results.

Maldives is currently battling a surge in COVID-19 cases, fueled by the new and more contagious omicron variant.

The sample positivity rate in the heavily populated greater Male’ area, which stood at three percent at the end of last year, has now risen to 21 percent.

The rise in cases has led to implementation of new restrictions in the greater Male’ region, including mandatory PCR testing for outbound domestic travelers, ban on gatherings of more than 50 people, and ban on supporters from stadiums.