The Minister of External Affairs of India, His Excellency Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, paid a courtesy call on Maldivian President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday at the President’s Office. The meeting, part of Dr Jaishankar’s official visit to the Maldives, highlighted both nations’ intent to maintain and potentially deepen their long-standing relationship, which has seen challenges in recent months.
During the meeting, President Muizzu extended a warm welcome to the Indian External Affairs Minister and expressed his continued appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Indian government during his visit to India in June, where he attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This gesture of goodwill comes at a time when the Maldivian administration appears eager to restore and enhance relations with India, a key regional partner.
Dr Jaishankar conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Modi and reaffirmed India’s readiness to support the Maldives across various sectors. His remarks signalled India’s ongoing commitment to its relationship with the island nation, despite recent strains that have tested the historically close ties between the two countries.
The discussions between the two leaders focused on the implementation of existing projects and explored potential avenues for future collaboration. Key areas of interest included economic cooperation, housing, defence, tourism, capacity building, and infrastructure development—sectors in which Indian support has been pivotal for the Maldives.
While the meeting was cordial, and both parties reiterated their commitment to mutual cooperation, the diplomatic undercurrents suggest a concerted effort by the Maldivian government to repair and solidify its relationship with India. The emphasis on future collaboration across multiple sectors points to the Maldives’ recognition of the strategic importance of maintaining strong ties with its larger neighbour.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to continue working together towards the development of both countries. As Dr Jaishankar’s visit continues, it is evident that the Maldives is making significant diplomatic efforts to ensure that its relationship with India remains robust and beneficial.
