New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the foundational principles guiding the relationship between India and Maldives during his remarks on Thursday. He emphasised that the progress of bilateral ties is rooted in the mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity of both nations.
EAM Jaishankar shared his remarks in an X (formerly Twitter) post. He Wrote, “Welcomed FM @MoosaZameer of Maldives this afternoon. My remarks at our talks.”
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar extended a “very very warm welcome” to Zameer on his first visit to the country in his current capacity, which the EAM said provides an opportunity to discuss bilateral ties and chart out future directions.
“As close and proximate neighbours, the development of our ties is obviously based on mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity,” Jaishankar said.
“As far as India is concerned, these are articulated in terms of our Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR vision.I hope that our meeting today will enable us to strengthen the convergence of our perspectives in various domains,” Jaishankar said.
Taking to X Maldivian Foreign Minister Mossa Zameer wrote, “A pleasure to meet with H.E Dr.@DrSJaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India, in New Delhi. We reflected on our long history of bilateral partnership shared by mutual respect and understanding. We exchanged perspectives on increasing engagement and exchanges between Maldives and India, both bilaterally and in the international arena.”
Further in his remarks EAM Jaishankar said, “Our cooperation has also enhanced this security and well being of your country through shared activities, equipment provisioning, capacity building and training.”External Affairs Minister expressed hope that his meeting with Zameer would enables to strengthen the convergence of perspectives in various sectors.
He stressed that close partnerships with neighbours is of great value as the world is passing through a volatile and uncertain time. Jaishankar said, “The world is today passing through a volatile and uncertain period. In such times, as we saw during COVID, during natural disasters and economic difficulties, close partnerships with neighbours are of great value. So, today we will be reviewing the various dimensions of our ties. It is in our common interest that we reach an understanding of how best we take our relationship forward.”
The Maldivian Foreign Minister Mossa Zameer arrived in India on Wednesday. Zameer’s visit to India comes amid strained ties with Maldives under President Mohamed Muizzu’s government and as India said that it will replace its military personnel from Maldives before May 10. During his visit, the two sides will discuss bilateral and regional issues and seek ways to provide impetus to our multifaceted relationship.
