THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Male, August 10: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday met with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, reaffirming New Delhi’s resolve to deepen India-Maldives ties for the mutual benefit of the people in both countries and the surrounding region.
Jaishankar is currently on a three-day official visit to the Maldives to recalibrate the bilateral relationship, marking the first high-level visit from India since the pro-China president, Muizzu, took office last year in the island nation.
“Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region,” Jaishankar posted on X.
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Privileged to call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings of PM @NarendraModi.
Committed to deepen India-Maldives ties for the benefit of our people and the region.@MMuizzu pic.twitter.com/FSP1kqefbx— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 10, 2024
Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives follows President Muizzu’s recent trip to India in June, where he attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government’s swearing-in ceremony.
Jaishankar earlier met with Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon to discuss bilateral security cooperation and their mutual interest in maintaining regional peace and stability, especially in light of China’s increasing presence in the Maldives.
Since Muizzu, who has a pro-China orientation, assumed the presidency in November 2023, the relationship between India and the Maldives has faced considerable strain.
Jaishankar’s three-day visit, scheduled to conclude on August 11, is taking place at the invitation of Maldives’ Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer.