India and Maldives Strengthen Ties: Jaishankar's Visit Underscores Mutual Welfare Commitment

India's partnership with the Maldives is driven by a mutual desire to work for each other's welfare and interests, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Friday. He highlighted that the relationship with Male is a cornerstone of India's Neighbourhood First policy. Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives for a three-day official visit, marking the first high-level trip from India since pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office last year.

Jaishankar's visit follows President Muizzu's trip to India in June to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. During a press conference with Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer, Jaishankar reiterated, "India's partnership with the Maldives is based on our deep desire to work together for each other's welfare and interests." He added that this partnership has enabled swift and effective responses to challenges in the past.

Neighbourhood First Policy

Jaishankar emphasised that the Maldives is a priority within India's Neighbourhood First policy and Vision SAGAR, as well as its commitment to the Global South. "To put it succinctly in the words of my Prime Minister Narendra Modi – for India, neighbourhood is a priority and, in the neighbourhood, Maldives is a priority," he said. The ties between India and the Maldives have been strained since Muizzu took office in November 2023 due to his pro-China stance.

This visit serves as an opportunity to review achievements and plan future cooperation. Jaishankar will meet Defence Minister Mariya Didi on Saturday to discuss defence and security engagements. "As neighbours, we face common challenges and have a shared interest in maintaining peace and security in the region," he noted. Both countries have extensive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), making defence cooperation crucial.

Defence and Security Cooperation

Jaishankar will also call on President Muizzu on Saturday. "I am particularly grateful to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for the opportunity to call on him tomorrow," he said. Jaishankar recalled meeting Muizzu in June during Modi's third-term oath-taking ceremony and looks forward to further enhancing their special partnership.

During talks with Zameer on Friday, both leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral ties, including development partnership, defence and maritime cooperation, capacity building, economic and trade ties, and people-to-people linkages. Within hours of his oath, President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. By May 10, Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians as per mutual agreement.

Jaishankar expressed anticipation for the virtual inauguration of water and sewerage projects across 28 islands, followed by a physical tour of the Addu reclamation project and Addu detour link bridge. He fondly remembered inaugurating the NCPLE in Addu years ago, describing it as a project "Imagined by Maldives, Delivered by India." India is also focused on partnering with Maldives for human resource development.

Economic Support

"We are not just close neighbours; we are also natural partners," Jaishankar said. He stressed that both nations are mutually invested in each other's development and progress. In today's volatile global environment marked by international conflicts, India aims to be an anchor of stability for its friends, partners, and neighbours.

India has provided support to Maldives through financial assistance, budgetary support, and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of critical items to help tackle economic challenges. "Our actions have been guided by our firm commitment to the philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabke Vikas' – which means 'Together, we prosper'," Jaishankar added.

He further noted that India recognises the need for the Global South to speak with a unified voice on shared interests and concerns. During its G-20 Presidency, giving voice to the aspirations of the Global South was India's top priority. The Maldives remains one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. Bilateral ties have seen significant growth under previous governments in Male.

The visit underscores India's ongoing commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Maldives amidst changing political dynamics.