External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Friday said that Maldives remains a "concrete expression" of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and New Delhi has always stood by the Indian Ocean archipelago, especially when it comes to giving financial support during challenging times.
"We have enhanced our engagements in different areas, and I would like to underscore that India has always stood by the Maldives. You are a practical manifestation of our 'Neighborhood First' policy," said EAM Jaishankar in his meeting with Abdulla Khaleel, the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives at New Delhi's Hyderabad House on Friday.
Signed both sides a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for undertaking High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III with grant assistance to the Government of India and exchanged views on all understandings mutually reached during State Visit of H.E. The President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency, Mohamed Muizzu in the month of October, 2024 and followed issues that require specific focus.
"I feel that we do have some key and positive announcements to make and certainly, we have much more work to be done. I notice that an agreement has been inked with the framework towards promoting the adoption of local currencies for cross border transactions. We have enhanced engagements in all walks of life, he said opening bilateral talks at the beginning.
Khaleel thanked India for providing timely emergency financial assistance to Maldives whenever required, reflecting the role of India as the "First Responder" of Maldives. He reiterated the firm commitment of the Muizzu government to working closely with the Government of India in actualizing the Joint Vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
Highlighting that the three-day India visit is his first bilateral engagement of the year, he mentioned that 2025 is an important year for Maldives-India relations as both countries celebrate 60 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations.
"Our partnership dates back to centuries. Our partnership is built on mutual understanding, respect and a shared commitment. Rooted in decades of trust and friendship, it will continue to thrive. As a beneficiary of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the government of Maldives deeply values the significant importance India placed in its relationship with the Maldives. We have many examples where the Government of India has consistently stood by the Maldives as an immediate responder in times of need," he said.
"We always appreciate India for its timely assistance, particularly through grant and concessional loans. On the development front, assistance from India has been transformative. The Greater Male Connectivity Project is a shining example that is set to transform the economic landscape of the Maldives," Khaleel added.
The visit of the Maldivian Foreign Minister, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is part of continued high-level engagements between the two sides and has provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of two countries and the Indian Ocean Region considering the importance India attaches to its bilateral ties with Maldives under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision SAGAR, or the Security and Growth for All in the Region.
Muizzu appointed Khaleel as the Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs on September 30, last year. He was the country's Minister of Health before that and admitted that the "significant contribution" to his tourist-dependent country's fast recovery from the Covid pandemic came from India.
In October, Khaleel also accompanied Muizzu on the "landmark" five-day State visit - the first by the Maldivian President since assuming office in November 2023.
This visit, he said, was defined by "insightful discussions" and deepened partnership, marking yet another milestone in the enduring friendship between Maldives and India.
"Our Commitment to further enhance the Maldives-India partnership remains unwavering, and I look forward to our promising future collaborations for the mutual benefit of our two nations and peoples," Khaleel posted on X on October 10 after the conclusion of the visit.
The two countries also agreed on a 'Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership' that will serve as a guiding document for the bilateral relationship across various sectors, during Muizzu's visit.
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