Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday, reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening India-Maldives relations for the benefit of both nations and the wider region.
”Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region,” Jaishankar posted on X along with a photograph of the meeting.
Jaishankar’s trip to the Maldives comes weeks after President Muizzu’s visit to India in June to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Earlier, Jaishankar met Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon and discussed bilateral security cooperation and the ”shared interest” in maintaining peace and stability in the region, amidst China’s growing presence in the archipelago nation.
The bilateral relations between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November 2023.
Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed date.
“Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ’Neighbourhood First’ policy and our Vision ’SAGAR’, that is, Security and Growth for All in the Region,” the MEA had said in a statement.
“The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further,” the MEA statement added.
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EAM Jaishankar meets President Muizzu, emphasises deeper India-Maldives ties for regional stability
