Foreign secretary's visit 'intensifies' bilateral relations between both countries: FM

India’s Foreign Secretary Dr. S. Jaishankar has called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim on Thursday.

The meeting was held at the Ministry on Thursday morning.

In a tweet sent out, the Foreign Ministry revealed that the foreign secretary called on FM Asim on Thursday morning “intensifying the close collaboration between Maldives and India”.

"Discussions also ensued on ways to comprehensively deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields," said the Ministry, adding that Minister Asim had emphasized "the assistance received from India for development of the defence, health and human resource sector of the Maldives".

Minister Asim also expressed "his gratitude for remaining as a close reliable friend," said the Ministry.

FS Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday evening, on a sudden trip.

While neither country had announced the visit prior to his arrival, the Foreign Ministry has since said that Jaishankar is on an official visit in the Maldives.

He is also to call on President Abdulla Yameen during his trip, as well as hold discussions with his Maldivian counterpart, Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed.

The sudden visit comes as the political situation in the country worsens, with more charges levied against key opposition figures on Wednesday.

Back in 2016, former President Mohamed Nasheed was allowed to travel to the United Kingdom for medical purpose, under a deal brokered by diplomats from India, Sri Lanka and Britain. Foreign Secretary Jaishankar had paid a sudden visit then as well.

The United Nations has called on Maldivian authorities ‘to uphold necessary conditions for democracy, the rule of law and human rights, in line with the country’s Constitution,’ while the European Union- along with Norway, Switzerland, Canada and the United Stated of America- called to ensure ‘that the opposition activities go forth without intimidation or threat of imprisonment’.