The Union Minister S. Jaishankar met with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu during his visit to New Delhi on Monday, signaling a renewed focus on bilateral ties between the two nations at the onset of the third consecutive term of the BJP-led NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Expressing anticipation for closer collaboration between India and Maldives, Jaishankar shared his sentiments after the meeting.
"Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely," Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
During an official banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, President Muizzu engaged with Prime Minister Modi along with other leaders from neighboring countries attending the swearing-in ceremony.
Accompanying President Muizzu were Maldives' Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer and Finance Minister Mohamed Shafeeq.
During the interactions at Rashtrapati Bhawan, PM Modi reiterated India's commitment towards building peace, progress, and prosperity in the region with the partnership of neighbouring countries on its way to attain a Developed India by 2047.
The Prime Minister, while thanking them for accepting his invitation, also reiterated India's commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR vision.
PM Modi highlighted the necessity of bolstering people-to-people connectivity in the region and enhancing connectivity. He also reiterated India's commitment to enhancing the voice of the Global South at international platforms, said the Ministry of External Affairs.
"PM Modi called for deeper people-to-people ties and connectivity in the region. He further added that India would continue to amplify the voice of the Global South in the international arena," said the Ministry of External Affairs.
President Muizzu accepted the invitation to the swearing-in, thanking PM Modi and conveying that he considers himself highly honoured to be part of the historical event of the third term swearing-in of PM Modi as Prime Minister of India.
Muizzu reiterated his commitment to enhancing relations with India, noting the positive trajectory of Maldives-India relations demonstrated by his visit.
"He also stated that he looks forward to working with the Prime Minister to further strengthen the close relations with India, noting that Maldives-India relations is heading in the positive direction, as would be demonstrated by this visit," Muizzu's office said on Saturday.
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