Maldives Minister of State for the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, Mr Ahmed Salim met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh to have a discussion on India's best practices in governance.

Later, Dr. Jitendra Singh, interacted with a visiting 30-member delegation from the Maldives, comprising ministers and senior officials, who were in India for a Capacity Building Training Programme organised by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). The programme, designed at the request of the Government of Maldives, focuses on sharing India’s administrative experience and best practices in governance and policy implementation.

During the interaction, Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined that India’s governance model—anchored in technology-driven efficiency, transparency, and local empowerment—has evolved through continuous reform and innovation. He said the Indian system offers a valuable case study in balancing policy formulation with ground-level execution, a model that countries with emerging democratic structures can adapt to their local needs. The Minister added that “our experience shows that good governance is not about large-scale reform alone but about bringing tangible improvements in the day-to-day lives of citizens through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches.”

The Maldivian participants, led by Ahmed Salim, Minister of State for the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, expressed interest in understanding how India frames its policies, executes welfare schemes, and coordinates between central and local governments. They also sought insights into women-centric development models, community participation, and policy mechanisms for coastal management and resource utilisation.

Responding to these queries, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s experience in managing vast coastal areas and referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the “Deep Ocean Mission” and the sustainable use of ocean resources. He explained how India successfully developed desalination technologies to provide potable water in island territories such as Lakshadweep, turning challenges of geography into opportunities through innovation.

The discussion also touched upon India’s efforts to promote women-led development and gender parity in governance. Dr. Jitendra Singh mentioned that India is witnessing a growing number of women leading major national initiatives, including space missions and scientific projects. He also spoke of the widespread success of self-help groups and women-led entrepreneurship models that have empowered communities and generated local employment.

The Minister encouraged the participants to explore avenues of collaboration in areas such as administrative reforms, women empowerment, and coastal sustainability. He suggested that future training programmes could include modules on Indian bureaucracy and governance systems, as well as youth and vocational training models relevant for “Gen Z” populations, to equip young people for leadership and innovation in governance.

The interaction reaffirmed India’s commitment to sharing its governance experience with partner countries in the region and reflected the deepening India–Maldives relationship built on mutual learning, institutional cooperation, and people-centric development. As the delegation concluded its visit, both sides expressed optimism about carrying forward this collaborative spirit through continued exchange of knowledge and best practices in governance and public service delivery.

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