Concluding his official visit to New Delhi, the Maldives’ Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel highlighted key discussions and agreements made with Indian officials, reinforcing the ongoing cooperation between the two countries. In an interview with the international news outlet WION, Minister Khaleel provided details of his meetings with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, where a broad range of bilateral matters were addressed.
The talks focused on areas of collaboration, particularly economic support, infrastructure development, and regional security. Minister Khaleel described the relationship between the Maldives and India as one of mutual respect, built on long-standing cooperation, and emphasised the importance of further strengthening these ties.
Infrastructure development was a major topic of discussion, with particular attention given to the Malé-Thilafushi bridge project, one of the largest ongoing infrastructure projects in the country. Minister Khaleel noted that both governments are working closely to expedite the project’s completion through coordinated efforts and high-level engagement.
Housing development was also discussed, with plans underway for the construction of 4,000 new housing units in the Maldives, supported by India.
The tourism sector, particularly the Maldives’ popularity among Indian visitors, was acknowledged, with both sides recognising the potential for further collaboration in tourism and cultural exchange.
Minister Khaleel expressed cautious optimism about the trajectory of India-Maldives relations, noting the progress made over the past year. He reiterated that the Maldives’ foreign policy continues to focus on maintaining balanced relationships with all countries, while prioritising the safeguarding of the nation’s sovereignty and independence.
This visit reinforced the ongoing dialogue between the Maldives and India, with discussions covering key areas of development, economic cooperation, and regional security, highlighting a partnership that continues to evolve across multiple sectors.
