Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel met with his Indian counterpart, Dr S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, reinforcing diplomatic ties between the two nations. The meeting, held during India’s prominent geopolitical and geo-economic conference, highlighted efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The Raisina Dialogue, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, took place from 17 to 19 March in New Delhi. This year’s edition, themed “Kalachakra” (Wheel of Time), convened leaders, policymakers, and experts from over 35 countries to address key global issues such as climate change, international trade, and security.
During their meeting, Dr Khaleel and Dr Jaishankar discussed ongoing development projects and explored new opportunities for collaboration. According to the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministers reviewed the existing development partnership between the two countries and highlighted the importance of strengthening ties, particularly in areas such as regional stability, economic cooperation, and Indian Ocean security.
The Raisina Dialogue provided a platform for several high-profile diplomatic engagements. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivered the keynote address, while bilateral meetings took place with foreign ministers from Latvia, Peru, Ukraine, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), focusing on issues such as nuclear safety and multilateral diplomacy.
A panel featuring senior naval leaders from India, Australia, Japan, and the United States also drew attention, emphasising maritime cooperation as India prepares to host the Quad leaders’ summit later this year. Discussions on global security, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and U.S. foreign policy shifts under President Donald Trump further reflected the forum’s focus on contemporary global challenges.
For the Maldives, this engagement reflects its strategic role in the Indian Ocean, with India remaining a key partner in development and infrastructure projects. The dialogue between Dr Khaleel and Dr Jaishankar signals a commitment to further enhancing cooperation, aligning with the broader objectives of Raisina 2025 to promote innovative solutions to regional and global issues.
