Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar paid a courtesy call to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Dr. Jaishankar met with the President at the Equator Village in Addu City, on Sunday morning.
During the meeting, the President and the Minister discussed existing bilateral cooperation and the close friendship between Maldives and India. Both the President and the Minister agreed to continue efforts to further enhance and strengthen the bond between the two countries through areas of mutual concern, benefit and interest in the global sphere.
Recalling that India was the first country he visited shortly after assuming office, President Solih expressed gratitude for India’s “Neighborhood First Policy”. President Solih stated that Maldives continues to gain immense benefits from this policy of India. He also reiterated that the Maldives would always uphold its “India First” policy and that it remains committed to enhancing the close ties with India.
During the meeting President Solih highlighted numerous developmental projects that are currently underway with assistance from Indian government. He stated that the visit by the Minister of External Affairs of India would serve as an important reminder of the close friendship and strong partnership between Maldives and India.
President Solih expressed his resolve to work closely with India to ensure that the Maldives-India relationship continues to prosper.
The President and the Minister also discussed areas of mutual interest such as, COVID-19 relief, tourism cooperation, socioeconomic development, healthcare, fisheries, human resource development, security cooperation, and regional and international cooperation.
Dr. S. Jaishankar attended the opening ceremony of the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement and signed several key agreements with the Maldivian government on behalf of the Indian government.
Maldives-India diplomatic relations was established on November 1, 1965. India was among the first countries with whom the Maldives established diplomatic relations, following its independence on 26 July 1965.
