Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, paid an official visit to the Republic of Maldives from 9-11 August 2024. Mr. Moosa Zameer, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, received the EAM at the airport. Dr. Jaishankar’s visit witnessed the inauguration of numerous vital projects and the signing of crucial Agreements. He met with several dignitaries and discussed significant aspects of India-Maldives bilateral relations.
On 9 August, the EAM discussed with Mr. Moosa the development partnership, bilateral and regional security, capacity building, trade and digital cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also witnessed the inauguration of six high-impact projects in mental health, street lighting, children’s speech therapy, and special education. An MoU was signed between the National Payments Corporation of India and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives to introduce a digital payment system in Maldives. Both dignitaries welcomed the renewal of the MoU between the National Centre for Good Governance and the Civil Services Commission to train 1000 additional civil services officers.
On 10 August, Dr. Jaishankar met Mr. Mohamed Saeed, Economic Development and Trade Minister of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Shafeeq, Minister of Finance, and Mr. Ahmed Munawar, Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority. The dignitaries discussed means to enhance economic and trade cooperation between the two nations.
Dr. Jaishankar joined Mr. Moosa and Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Maldives, in planting a Carambola (or Star Fruit) sapling in Lonuziyaaraiy Park, Malé. The event was part of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ initiative and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s 5 Million Tree Project. According to the EAM, the sapling symbolises India and Maldives’ commitment to a sustainable future. He also met Mr. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Maldives’ Minister of Defence, and discussed the India-Maldives defence cooperation. They also reviewed their shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region and proposed joint initiatives to bolster maritime security.
Dr. Jaishankar called on Maldives’ President, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The EAM conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. They also affirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations. The EAM participated in the virtual inauguration of Water & Sanitation Projects in 28 Maldives’ Islands. President Muizzu thanked the government of India for its consistent support of Maldives’ development. Appreciating India’s efforts, he remarked on X, “Our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange. Together, we build a brighter, more prosperous future for the region.”
The EAM joined Mr. Moosa and Mr. Abdulla Muththalib, Maldives’ Construction & Infrastructure, for an on-site visit to the flagship Greater Malé Connectivity Project. The project will connect the Maldives to the neighbouring Gulhifalhu, Villingili, and Thilafushi villages. The EAM also oversaw the inauguration of the Addu Reclamation and Shore Protection Project and the Addu Detour Link Bridge Project in the Maldives.
Dr. Jaishankar met the Maldivian Democratic Party delegation led by President Abdulla Shahid. He also interacted with the Indian community in Malé.
Maldives is an essential partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy’ and India’s Vision ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The EAM’s visit re-affirms India’s commitment to strong bilateral ties with its neighbours to maintain peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
