Maldives President Hails India As 'Invaluable Partner', EAM Jaishankar Reaffirms Commitment To Stronger Ties

President Muizzu expressed his optimism about the future, expecting that Maldives-India cooperation will continue to thrive and evolve in the coming years.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meet Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Source : X/@DrSJaishankar

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday considered India as "one of the closest" allies and an "invaluable" partner, providing support and assistance whenever needed by the country. These remarks were made during a ceremony at the President’s Office to mark the completion of water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 Maldivian islands, funded by the Indian government’s Line of Credit Facility through EXIM Bank of India.

The Maldives president spotlighted that these projects would bring required economic benefits, boost local economies, and contribute to the nation's prosperity. He noted that these initiatives are key milestones in strengthening the bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. During the event, Muizzu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to enhancing the historic ties between the Maldives and India, as stated in a press release from his office, news agency PTI reported.

He expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government, and the people of India for their "generous and continued assistance" to the Maldives.

Muizzu also reflected on his recent visit to India for Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony. He expressed appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.

'Maldivians Deeply Value Ties With Indian People': PMuizzu

The Maldives president highlighted the High Impact Community Development Projects under Indian Grant Assistance as a testament to the close collaboration between the two countries in socio-economic development. He mentioned that several transformative projects are currently underway, with plans to ease their implementation in Maldivian communities. He also expressed gratitude for the flexibility in restructuring the line of credit arrangement.

He underscored that the centuries-old friendship, mutual respect, and strong kinship have fostered the close relations between both nations. Maldivians deeply value these historic ties with the Indian people and are committed to preserving and enhancing them.

President Muizzu also expressed optimism about the future, expecting that Maldives-India cooperation will continue to thrive and evolve in the coming years.

He extended his appreciation to EAM S. Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to the Maldives, for his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. Jaishankar's visit marks the first high-level trip from India since President Muizzu, who is quite popular for his pro-China stance, assumed office last year.

Earlier, Jaishankar met with President Muizzu and reiterated New Delhi's commitment to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of both countries and the region.

Jaishankar Emphasises Deeper India-Maldives Ties For Regional Prosperity

During the meeting on Saturday, EAM S Jaishankar emphasised India's commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations for the benefit of their people and the broader region. Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to the Maldives, marking the first high-level visit from India since Muizzu, who is known for his pro-China stance, assumed office last year.

"Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region," Jaishankar shared on X, along with a photograph from the meeting.

Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi.

Committed to deepen India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region.@MMuizzu pic.twitter.com/FSP1kqefbx

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 10, 2024

This visit follows President Muizzu's trip to India in June for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar also met with Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon to discuss bilateral security cooperation and the "shared interest" in maintaining regional peace and stability, particularly amid China's growing influence in the Maldives.

Relations between India and the Maldives have been strained ever since Muizzu took office in November 2023. Shortly after his inauguration, Muizzu requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from three aviation platforms in the Maldives. These personnel were replaced by civilians by May 10, the mutually agreed deadline.

The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region, and bilateral ties, particularly in defence and security, saw significant growth under the previous Maldivian government.