External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister of Maldives Dr Abdulla Khaleel held bilateral discussions in New Delhi yesterday. Dr. Jaishankar reaffirmed the importance India attaches to its bilateral ties with the Island Nation and assured continued support to Maldives, under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision SAGAR. They took stock of progress made on the understandings reached during the state visit of the President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India in October last year and followed up on issues that need further focus from both sides.
The Foreign Minister of Maldives appreciated the timely emergency financial assistance extended by India to Maldives in times of need, reflecting on India’s role as the “First Responder” of Maldives. He reaffirmed President Muizzu’s and the Government of Maldives’ commitment to work closely with India in realizing the Joint Vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
Both countries sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III in Maldives, through grant assistance by India.
