The Maldives has reaffirmed its strong and enduring relationship with India, as expressed by Moosa Zameer, Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a statement welcoming India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on his official visit.
Minister Zameer warmly welcomed Dr. Jaishankar and his delegation to the Maldives, expressing gratitude for the close friendship and vital partnership between the two nations. He highlighted the long-standing ties between the Maldives and India, built on mutual trust and respect, which have continued to flourish over the years through high-level exchanges and deepened cooperation in areas of shared interest.
The Foreign Minister highlighted India’s significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the Maldives, noting that the support has positively impacted key sectors such as health, education, youth, sports, housing, and infrastructure. He specifically mentioned the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital as a testament to India’s support, as well as the Greater Malé Connectivity Project, which has seen substantial progress over the past eight months. Both ministers are scheduled to visit the project site during Dr. Jaishankar’s visit.
Minister Zameer also shared details of their constructive discussions, which covered a wide range of issues, including economic cooperation, trade and investment, education, skills development, health, tourism, youth, sports, defence, security, and regional and multilateral cooperation. He emphasised the importance of enhancing economic ties, noting the proposal to begin negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between the Maldives and India, as conveyed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. This agreement is expected to facilitate trade liberalisation and ease the business environment between the two countries.
On security and defence, Minister Zameer reiterated the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening cooperation with India through joint exercises and expanded training opportunities for officers. This collaboration aims to ensure the security of both nations and the stability of the Indian Ocean region.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the successful completion of several community-focused projects, which have been handed over to beneficiaries during Dr. Jaishankar’s visit. Additionally, he announced that President Dr. Muizzu would preside over the handover of 28 water and sewerage projects in 28 islands, financed through the EXIM Bank of India.
As part of his visit, Dr. Jaishankar will travel to Addu City to oversee the handover of the reclamation and shore protection project and inaugurate a four-lane detour link road connecting Maradhoo to Hithadhoo. Both projects are major components of the Addu City development project and are funded through the EXIM Bank line of credit facility from the Government of India.
Minister Zameer expressed deep appreciation for India’s neighbourhood-first policy, which has provided substantial fiscal assistance to the Maldives, including the rollover of USD 50 million in Treasury Bills. He also recognised the contributions of Indian professionals and the expatriate community in the Maldives, noting India’s importance as a source market for the Maldivian tourism sector.
Minister Zameer commended India for its remarkable domestic and global achievements and reiterated the Maldivian government’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral, regional, and multilateral ties with India. He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Jaishankar for undertaking the visit and emphasised the mutual benefits that continued cooperation would bring to both nations.
