Indian foreign secretary in Maldives: calls on pres. and speaker, holds official talks

India’s Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla has called on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The Indian official arrived in the Maldives on a two-day official visit on Sunday.

During the meeting held at the President’s Office on Monday morning, President Solih thanked India for the assistance they have provided the Maldives over the years, including throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

He also expressed gratitude to the Indian government for the air-bubble established between the two countries, as well as for the many ongoing projects in the Maldives made feasible through the Indian Government’s Line of Credit agreement including the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project, Gulhifalhu Port Project, Water and Sewerage related projects in 34 islands across 16 atolls, as well as a Cancer Hospital.

Further, the president remarked that the strong bilateral ties between the two countries “are matched by the frequent and friendly interactions between our peoples”.

The two also discussed ways of further strengthening the Maldives-India partnership. This includes enhancing regional trade and connectivity, economic cooperation, tourism and overcoming the pandemic.

Both the president and Indian foreign secretary affirmed their mutual commitment to ensuring that Maldives-India relations always remain strong.

Foreign Secretary Shringla called on Speaker and former President, Mohamed Nasheed, as well.

Furthermore, Shringla and his Maldivian counterpart Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed held official discussions on Monday.

During the meeting, both officials reflected on the treasured history and closeness shared between the two countries, as this year the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. They further discussed the strengthening and deepening of the multi-faceted relationship between the Maldives and India.