Maldives and India have exchanged the “Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters” on Tuesday.

The treaty, exchanged at Paradise Island Resort was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of India to the Maldives Sunjay Sudhir on behalf of India.

Following the signing ceremony, FM Shahid met with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, with whom several discussions were held on ongoing cooperation in various avenues and expanding cooperation in new areas of mutual interest.

During the call, both ministers had expressed their commitment to continue the high level of engagement between both countries within the framework set out during the summit meetings held between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018 and 2019.

While Dr. Jaishankar is taking part in the 4th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) being held in Paradise Island Resort from 3 to 4 September, this is his first trip to Maldives since assuming office in May 2019.

Further, Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Jaishankar will be laying the foundation stone at the new plot for the Indian Embassy’s Chancery in Hulhumalé Diplomatic Enclave, during his visit.

He is also scheduled to call on President Solih and Parliament Speaker and Former President Mohamed Nasheed before returning to India.