Maldives President reaffirms commitment to strengthening ties with India

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with India, describing New Delhi as one of the Maldives' "closest allies" and an "invaluable partner."

During a ceremony attended by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Muizzu praised India's consistent support and aid, particularly highlighting the recent completion of water supply and sewerage facilities on 28 Maldivian islands. These projects, funded through India's Line of Credit (LoC) via the Exim Bank of India, are seen as significant milestones in the bilateral relationship, expected to bring considerable economic benefits and contribute to the overall prosperity of the Maldives.

Expressing his "deep gratitude" to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian government, and the Indian people, Muizzu emphasized the importance of the High Impact Community Development Projects under Indian Grant Assistance.

He noted that these initiatives reflect the close engagement between the two countries in promoting socioeconomic development. He also appreciated the flexibility provided by India in restructuring the line of credit arrangements, which will help accelerate the delivery of these projects to local communities.

Muizzu highlighted the centuries-long friendship and mutual respect that have characterized the relationship between the Maldives and India, stressing the commitment of the Maldivian people to preserving and enhancing these deep and historic ties.

During his meeting with Jaishankar, Muizzu also recalled his recent visit to India for Prime Minister Modi's swearing-in ceremony, expressing his appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to meet both Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. Jaishankar, in turn, conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Modi and reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening ties with the Maldives for the benefit of both nations and the broader region.

Jaishankar also held discussions with Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon on enhancing security cooperation, focusing on joint initiatives for maritime security and regional stability. Additionally, he participated in a symbolic tree-planting ceremony in Male's Lonuziyaaraiy Park alongside Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Minister Thoriq Ibrahim.

Upon his arrival in the Maldives, Jaishankar attended a ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark the inauguration and handover of six projects under the High Impact Community Development Projects, facilitated by Indian Grant Assistance. During this event, a Memorandum of Understanding on an integrated payment system between the Maldives and India was also exchanged, along with the renewal of an MoU to train 1,000 Civil Service Officers.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer expressed sincere appreciation to India for its generous assistance in advancing the lives of Maldivian communities. He reiterated the Maldives' commitment to continue working closely with India at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels to further strengthen the bonds between the two countries.

Jaishankar, addressing the media, underscored the significance of his visit, emphasizing the Maldives' strategic importance within India's "Neighborhood First" policy, Vision SAGAR, and its commitment to the Global South. He highlighted the common challenges faced by both nations and the vital role of defense and security cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the region, given the extensive Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of both countries.