The United Kingdom and the Maldives marked 60 years of diplomatic relations this week during a visit by UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific Seema Malhotra. The two-day trip was her first official visit to the Maldives since assuming office less than three months ago.
During the visit, Minister Malhotra travelled to Huraa to observe a UK-supported mangrove conservation project and announced a £250,000 contribution to a new blended finance initiative with the Government of Maldives and UNDP. The initiative, funded through the Climate Action for a Resilient Asia (CARA) programme, aims to support climate-smart and nature-positive industries including sustainable fisheries, seaweed farming, marine biotechnology and circular aquaculture.
The UK also announced 11 new Chevening scholarships for Maldivians, the highest number awarded in a single year, bringing the total alumni network to more than 70. The Minister held meetings with the Minister for Tourism for Environment, the Minister for Economic Development and Trade, and State Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security and Technology. Discussions focused on areas such as clean energy, maritime security and counterterrorism.
Commenting on the visit, Minister Malhotra said the two countries continue to work together on shared challenges. “Sixty years on, our friendship with the Maldives is stronger than ever. Together we’re addressing shared challenges from tackling climate change to promoting sustainable growth through a partnership built on mutual respect,” she said.
The UK recognised Maldivian independence on 26 July 1965. Since then, bilateral ties have expanded to include cooperation in trade, tourism, climate resilience and democratic governance. The UK remains the third-largest source market for visitors to the Maldives, with nearly 200,000 arrivals expected this year, and is the second-largest market for Maldivian tuna exports.
Climate collaboration continues to feature prominently. The UK is supporting the Maldives’ target of achieving 33 percent clean energy by 2028 through programmes such as the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, which focuses on marine biodiversity, pollution response and environmental resilience.
Security cooperation has also grown under the Maritime Security Working Group, which covers maritime domain awareness, hydrography, port security and marine pollution response. Joint counterterrorism work includes information sharing and emergency response coordination.
Education remains an important area of engagement, with more than 300 Maldivian students currently studying in the UK. Several national leaders, including the President and cabinet members, are UK-educated.
The opening of the British High Commission in Malé in 2019 expanded avenues for engagement across climate, trade, security and multilateral issues. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to continuing this cooperation as they mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
