Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has asserted that the robust partnership between India and the Maldives has consistently enabled both nations to respond swiftly and effectively to challenges, leaving a tangible impact on the everyday lives of the citizens of both countries.
In a joint press statement delivered alongside Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, Jaishankar underscored India’s commitment to its “neighbourhood first” policy, with the Maldives occupying a pivotal position in this framework. “For India,” he stated, “neighbourhood is a priority and, in the neighbourhood, Maldives is a priority.” The historical and kinship bonds between the two countries further reinforce this priority, he added.
However, recent relations between India and the Maldives have faced turbulence. The “India out” campaign, championed by President Mohamed Muizzu during the 2023 presidential elections, accused the previous administration of harbouring Indian military personnel. Derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media by three senior ministers of the Muizzu administration further strained the bilateral ties, leading to an all-time low.
Despite these challenges, the Muizzu administration is working to mend relations. Minister Jaishankar’s visit serves as a significant milestone, marking the completion and handover of infrastructure development projects across 28 Maldivian islands. These projects, inaugurated during the Ibrahim Mohamed Solih administration, were funded by the Indian government through a Line of Credit Facility via EXIM Bank of India.
During Minister Jaishankar’s visit, new developmental projects were initiated, encompassing vital initiatives such as mental health units, speech therapy facilities, education support centres, and street light installations.
As Minister Jaishankar aptly summarised, “Our partnership makes a difference to the everyday life of a common citizen here.”