Maldivian foreign minister visits India to boost bilateral ties

Maldivian foreign minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel commences three-day official visit to India.

| Updated: 03 January, 2025 3:05 pm IST
Maldivian foreign minister visits India to boost bilateral ties.
Maldivian foreign minister visits India to boost bilateral ties. (Photo Illustration: Swastik Sharma)

NEW DELHI: Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel began a three-day official visit to India on January 2, 2025, to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Upon his arrival in New Delhi, he was warmly received by senior officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

 

The visit highlights the Maldives’ commitment to deepening ties with India, particularly in maritime security, trade, investment, and regional stability.

 

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A key event will be Dr. Khaleel’s meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on January 3 at Hyderabad House. The discussions will cover various topics, including ongoing development projects, economic cooperation, and enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean.

 

This visit follows Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s trip to India three months ago, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a “Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership.” Dr. Khaleel’s visit is expected to inject momentum into this partnership, focusing on implementing existing initiatives and exploring new areas of collaboration.

 

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India and the Maldives share a strong relationship built on mutual trust and cooperation. India has been a vital development partner for the Maldives, supporting infrastructure, healthcare, education, and capacity building.

 

In return, the Maldives has been a key partner in ensuring regional security in the Indian Ocean, aligning with India’s strategic interests.

 

The timing of Dr Khaleel’s visit is significant, as both nations face evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Strengthening their bilateral ties is crucial for regional security and for addressing emerging challenges. One such challenge is climate change, with the Maldives particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.

 

The visit is expected to include discussions on collaborative efforts to tackle climate change.

 

Dr Khaleel’s itinerary also includes meetings with Indian business leaders and policymakers to promote investment and explore new economic opportunities.

 

These engagements are set to enhance trade relations and foster people-to-people connections between the two countries.

 

As the visit progresses, it promises to reinforce the enduring friendship between India and the Maldives, paving the way for deeper cooperation and shared prosperity in the future.

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