The governments of Maldives and India have discussed enhancing cooperation in defence, maritime security, people building, economy and trade.

This was revealed by the Ministry of External Affairs on India in a press release issued on Saturday.

The discussions were held as part of the official talks between of Minister of Indian External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Moosa Zameer, as part of EAM Jaishankar’s ongoing brief official visit to Maldives which he began on Saturday.

This is the neighboring country’s external affairs minister’s first visit to the Maldives to strengthen ties between the two countries, after those who campaigned under the slogan ‘India Out!’ to tarnish the image of Maldivians towards India as the then-opposition, came into power.

EAM Jaishankar and FM Zameer held thorough and extensive discussions expressing their mutual commitment to further enhance the longstanding relations, with Zameer expressing gratitude for India’s continued assistance in the socioeconomic development of Maldives.

Mutually agreeing that it was necessary to intensify the partnership between the two countries particularly in the areas of trade and investment, fostering more opportunities for foreign direct investments, the two ministers also reviewed collaboration in human resource development, economic cooperation, multilateral engagement, and defense and maritime security cooperation.

Jaishankar will also sit down for talks with the Minister of Finance, Minister of Economic Development and the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority. 

As part of the visit, a ceremony was held to mark the inauguration and handover of six projects implemented under the High Impact Community Development Projects facilitated under the Grant Assistance from India, as well as the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on the integrated payment system between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Maldives, and the National Payments Corporation of India.

Further, an exchange notes for the renewal of the MoU to train 1,000 Civil Service Officers was exchanged between Civil Service Commission of the Maldives and the High Commission of India.

The projects that were reviewed and virtually inaugurated with the participation from the respective line ministries and implementing agencies include the ‘Establishment of a Speech Therapy Unit at Kulhudhuffushi Regional Hospital’, the ‘Strengthening of Inclusive Support Units at Aboobakuru School in Thinadhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll, Ihadhdhoo School in Gan island of Laamu atoll and HA. AEC in Dhidhdhoo island of Haa Alif atoll’, the ‘Installation of streetlights in three islands including Thimarafushi island of Thaa atoll, Veymandoo island of Thaa atoll and Kondey island of Gaaf Alif atoll and the establishment of a ‘Mental Health Unit at R. Ungoofaaru Hospital’.

The virtual inaugurations were followed by the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in the field of enhancing and expanding digital and integrated payment systems.

Further the two governments observed the exchange of notes between the President of the Civil Service Commission of Maldives and the High Commissioner of India to Maldives, for the renewal of the MoU to train 1,000 Civil Service Officers.

Jaishankar is also scheduled to visit southernmost Addu City to inspect the India-funded Thilamalé Bridge Project, Addu land reclamation and Addu Link Bridge Project.

As part of Jaishankar's visit, he also held talks with Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon on how to work together to manage the EEZ between the Maldives and India.

As neighbors, Maldives and India have long-shared ties of friendship.

Indian media outlets have noted that the relationship turned sour when the leaders of the anti-India campaign gained control.

Relations between the two countries have been plummeting to an all-time low since Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023, and the recent social media taunts by those holding senior ranks in the government have added to the strained relations, at a time relations were slightly improving.

Presently, the high-ranking government officials who were suspended over the matter are still entitled to their full salaries even under suspension.