In a joint statement, Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid "reiterated his Government’s India-First Policy and said that his Government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues."
India and Maldives have reaffirmed the ties with Male's emphasizing on India first while New Delhi reiterated its commitment to the Indian ocean Island country. Maldives also requested Indian assistance for the construction of a cricket stadium which New Delhi is looking into. India recently gifted LED bulbs and LED street lights for Malé City.
Taking into the account that India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj is on a 2-day Maldives visit, this is the first full-fledged bilateral meet at the political level from India since the new government took office in the Indian Ocean island country in November 2018.
In a joint statement, Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid "reiterated his Government’s India-First Policy and said that his Government looks forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues."
Maldives government also said that the country would remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns. India said that it attaches the "highest importance to its relationship with Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity."
EAM said that in line with the "Government of India’s neighbourhood First policy, India stands ready to fully support the Government of Maldives in its socio-economic development." Both sides have agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region and strengthening coordination in enhancing regional maritime security.
Maldives is a key country in the Indian ocean region and lies in the heart of busy shipping lanes connecting Africa with Asia. Maldives has also announced that it will provide land in Hulhumalé Island in north Maldives for the Indian Embassy. Male has also expressed support to India's candidature for permanent membership of UN Security Council & for non-permanent seat for the year 2020-21.
During the visit of EAM, 3 agreements were signed — Exemption from Visa Requirement for Holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects and Collaboration in the Field of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
PM Modi was present during the swearing-in ceremony of President Solih and in December President Solih had visited New Delhi.
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 "Photo: ANI")
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