In a significant developments India and Maldives have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, marking 60 years of formal diplomatic relations. Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel’s three-day visit to India, which began on Thursday, aims to bolster cooperation in key areas such as maritime security, trade, and investment.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized India’s unwavering support for Maldives, citing the country’s strategic importance in the Indian Ocean. “India has always stood by the Maldives, and our partnership is built on mutual understanding, respect, and a shared commitment,” Jaishankar said.
The two nations have made significant progress in recent months, including the signing of a framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions. This move is expected to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries.
Maldives’ proximity to India, at the intersection of commercial sea-lanes running through the Indian Ocean, makes it a crucial partner for India, particularly in the face of China’s growing influence in the region.
The relationship between India and Maldives experienced a strain after Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China policies, demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation in November 2023. However, ties were reset when Muizzu visited India in October last year.
Khaleel expressed his desire to strengthen ties with India, stating that Male seeks a dynamic and meaningful agenda with New Delhi for the year ahead. “As a beneficiary of India’s Neighbourhood First policy, the Government of Maldives deeply values the significant importance India has placed in its relationship with the Maldives,” he said.
The two nations have a long history of cooperation, with India providing extensive economic aid, participating in bilateral programs for infrastructure development, and offering scholarships to Maldivian students. The Indian Navy has also conducted joint exercises with the Maldives National Defence Force and provided training to its personnel.
As India and Maldives celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, the two nations are poised to take their partnership to new heights, with a renewed focus on mutual cooperation and understanding.
