Policies Of 'India First', 'Neighbourhood First' Fulcrum Of India-Maldives Relationship: S Jaishankar

Jaishankar also talked about the defence cooperation between both countries that promises a future full of possibilities for youth.

EAM S Jaishankar On Visit To Maldives | ANI

New Delhi: Minister Of External Affairs S. Jaishankar on Sunday said that the India-Maldives partnership constitutes cooperation in every facet of the bilateral relationship and the focus of this engagement is the well-being of the people.

EAM Jaishankar made the statement as he spoke at the inauguration of the National College for policing and Law Enforcement in Maldives. 

Talking about the bilateral relations of India and Maldives, he said, “This is a project which I've monitored over years. To see a project of this magnitude unfold which is a real symbol of our development partnership, this feeling is difficult to describe.”

He added that India's policy of ‘Neighbour First’ is the fulcrum of their bilateral relations, news agency ANI reported.

“Your policy of 'India First' and our policy of 'Neighbourhood First' are not just phrases but the very fulcrum of India-Maldives relationship,” he said.

Your policy of 'India First' and our policy of 'Neighbourhood First' are not just phrases but the very fulcrum of India-Maldives relationship: EAM Dr. S Jaishankar at the inauguration of the National College for Policing & Law Enforcement in Maldives pic.twitter.com/FMDwrTJsDz

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2022

He also added, “Today, the India-Maldives partnership envelopes cooperation in almost every facet of our bilateral relationship. The focus of our engagement is the well-being of our people.”

Jaishankar also talked about the defence cooperation between both countries that promises a future full of possibilities for youth.

“Defence cooperation is another key pillar of the India-Maldives partnership. Today, our relationship is full of promises & possibilities for our youth and future generations,” he said.

Jaishankar met the Home Minister of Maldives, Imran Abdulla, and discussed "capacity building and training cooperation in law enforcement." "Appreciate his strong support for India-Maldives special partnership," the External Affairs wrote.

EAM Jaishankar is on a five-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. He reached the Maldives on March 26, Saturday and will be leaving for Sri Lanka today.

During his visit, Jaishankar witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral agreements between India and the Maldives.