New Delhi, August 11, 2024
External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, undertook an official visit to the Maldives from August 9 to 11, 2024.
Key Highlights
Meeting with President Muizzu: During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar met with Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives. He extended warm greetings from PM Modi. President Muizzu expressed appreciation for India’s ongoing developmental support and reaffirmed his commitment to further enhancing the India-Maldives relationship. At the President’s Office, they jointly inaugurated a significant Line of Credit (LoC)-assisted project, which will improve water and sewerage networks across 28 Maldivian islands.
Diplomatic Discussions: Dr. Jaishankar engaged in comprehensive discussions with his Maldivian counterpart, Moosa Zameer, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Maldives, reviewing the full scope of bilateral relations. The discussions included a productive meeting with the Minister for Defence, where both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening the India-Maldives defence and security partnership. Jaishankar also met with the Ministers of Finance, Economic Development & Trade, and the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority to explore ways to enhance trade and economic ties. The Maldivian officials commended India’s support across various sectors, including social, infrastructural, and financial development. Additionally, Jaishankar met a delegation from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), led by its President Abdulla Shahid.
MoUs and Projects: In Male, MoUs were signed on the capacity building of an additional 1,000 Maldivian civil servants in India and the introduction of UPI in the Maldives. Six High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) under Indian grant assistance—covering mental health, special education, speech therapy, and street lighting—were jointly inaugurated. Jaishankar, alongside Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, planted a sapling at Lonuziyaaraiy Park as part of PM Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ initiative and President Mohamed Muizzu’s 5 Million Tree Project.
Site Visits and Community Interaction: Jaishankar, accompanied by the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Construction & Infrastructure of the Maldives, visited the India-assisted Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) site. They reviewed the progress of this flagship project designed to connect Male with the neighboring islands of Villingili, Gulhifalhu, and Thilafushi. Jaishankar also interacted with the Indian community in Male, acknowledging their valuable contributions to strengthening India-Maldives relations.
Addu City Engagement: On August 11, 2024, Jaishankar visited Addu City, where he, along with the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Construction & Infrastructure, jointly inaugurated the Addu Reclamation and Shore Protection Project and the Addu Detour Link Bridge Project.
Significance of the Visit: This visit underscores the Maldives’ importance as a key maritime neighbor in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the Vision ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The Maldives remains a crucial partner in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. The visit reaffirmed both countries' ongoing commitment to strengthening their multi-dimensional bilateral relationship and deepening their close people-to-people ties.
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