External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed his Maldivian counterpart, Moosa Zameer, that the growth of India-Maldives relations is predicated on "reciprocal sensitivity" and "mutual interests."
Speaking at a time when bilateral ties between the two nations have deteriorated since pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu took office six months ago, Jaishankar made these views.
The foreign affairs minister began his discussion with Zameer by stating, “As close and proximate neighbours, the development of our ties is obviously based on mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity."
Regarding India, these are expressed in terms of our SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and our Neighbourhood First strategy. He remarked, “As far as India is concerned, these are articulated in terms of our Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) vision. I hope that our meeting today will enable us to strengthen the convergence of our perspectives in various domains."
Muizzu's insistence on the departure of Indian military troops operating three military installations within the island nation severely strained relations between the two countries.
India has already removed the majority of its armed forces. Muizzu has stipulated that Indian military forces were to leave his nation by May 10.
The first and second batches of Indian troops returned, and "now deputation of competent Indian technical personnel has taken place" to operate the three Indian aircraft platforms, according to spokeswoman for the External Affairs Ministry Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing.
Jaishankar also brought up India's development aid to the Maldives in his speech.
India has played a significant role in helping the Maldives develop. The people of your nation have profited from our projects, and their quality of living has increased," he stated.
According to Jaishankar, “They range from infrastructure projects and social initiatives to medical evacuation and health facilities.”
“We have also extended financial support on favourable terms in the past. India has been a First Responder on numerous occasions for Maldives," he stated.
Jaishankar continued, “Our cooperation has also enhanced the security and well-being of your country through shared activities, equipment provisioning, capacity building and training."
According to Jaiswal, the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations and regional security challenges in "extensive discussions."
According to him, the two leaders talked on capacity building and training programmes, as well as development partnerships.
Regarding the departure of Indian military forces from the Maldives, Jaiswal stated that both parties have been collaborating to guarantee the continuous functioning of Indian aircraft platforms that offer medical and humanitarian evacuation services to the island nation's citizens.
In light of this, he stated, “Accordingly, deputation of competent Indian technical personnel has taken place."
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