The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval for the MoU between India and Maldives for the establishment of passenger and cargo services by sea.
Shipping services will connect Kochi with the capital city of Maldives, Male and Kulhudhuffushi, the third most populous city in Mali.
It is expected to boost health and wellness tourism for India.
Maldives is presently connected to India by flights and sea planes only.