According to the Maldivian foreign ministry, the visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has marked a new turning point in bilateral ties between India and the Maldives. The visit from Friday to Sunday is the first high-profile trip from New Delhi since President Mohamed Muizzu—perceived as pro-China—came to power in November last year. The policies of the new administration had previously strained the level of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Maldivian foreign ministry noted that Jaishankar's visit, particularly his meetings with President Muizzu and discussions with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and other officials, played a seminal role in strengthening the resolve to push forward the close bilateral relations. Both Zameer and Jaishankar showed an inclination to deepen the Maldives-India partnership. Zameer said that his country is committed to enhancing cooperation in all fields of ties with India on a positive note.
The Maldivian foreign ministry called the visit "a highly significant milestone" as it was the first high-level engagement since President Muizzu assumed office. The Ministry of External Affairs in India termed the visit important as Maldives is a "priority partner" in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision 'SAGAR'.
The MEA statement went on to further reiterate the strategic importance of the Maldives towards the maintenance of regional peace, stability, and prosperity, and mutual commitment towards strengthening bilateral relations and people-to-people ties.
Addressing the Indian community here, Jaishankar said India is deeply committed to the Maldives, and this relationship is very important for the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that continuing efforts are being made to nurture and manifest this friendship in concrete terms.
The ministers' discussions with Jaishankar and Zameer were on economic cooperation and trade, with a view to ongoing projects, the inauguration of six grant initiatives for the High Impact Community Development Project. These would improve local development and infrastructure.
The relationship of the Maldives with India was stretched since the begining of the presidency of President Muizzu, which also included the demand of withdrawal of the Indian military people from the aviation platforms initially, but later on, they were replaced by civilians.
On Saturday, the President reiterated his administration's commitment to strengthening the historic ties with India. The President lavished praise on India for being an important ally and partner; the huge dividends from Indian-funded projects are to boost local economies and contribute positively to national development. He termed those projects as milestones in the bilateral relationship and an acknowledgment of India's continuing relevance for the Maldives as its key maritime neighbor in the region of the Indian Ocean.
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