External Affairs Minister Visit to Maldives

On 10th August, 2024, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, underscoring India's commitment to deepening relations with the Maldives.

Key Points

Key Meeting: During the visit, External Affairs Minister conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to President Muizzu and emphasized enhancing India-Maldives relations for mutual benefit. The visit comes after President Muizzu's trip to India in June.
Bilateral Security and Cooperation: External Affairs Minister also met Maldivian Defence Minister to discuss security cooperation and regional stability, especially in light of China's increasing presence in the Maldives.
Historical Context: Relations between India and the Maldives strained under Muizzu, who initially sought the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. However, the personnel were replaced with civilians by May 10.
Official Visit: External Affairs Minister three-day visit, concluding on 11^th August, is aimed at strengthening the partnership and exploring ways to enhance bilateral ties.
The visit reflects India's commitment to its "Neighbourhood First" policy and the "SAGAR" vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Ongoing Projects: The MEA highlighted ongoing collaborative projects and efforts to boost regional development and stability.