Maldives commits itself to India’s strategic and security concerns
NEWDELHI: The Maldives on Monday committed itself to being sensitive towards India’s “security and strategic concerns” as the two countries signed three agreements covering cooperation in areas such as community development projects and renewable energy.
Relations between the two sides have improved since last year’s elections in the Indian Ocean archipelago brought to power a coalition government l e d by Pres i de nt I br a hi m Mohamed Solih. Ties had dipped to an all-time low under Solih’s pro-china predecessor, Abdulla Yameen.
A joint statement issued at the end of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s two-day visit to Male quoted her Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid reiterating his government’s “India-first” policy. Shahid said his government will “remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns” and work closely with India on all issues.
People familiar with developments said India was unable to unveil any substantial new measures to assist the Maldives as the code of conduct had kicked in with the announcement of dates for the next general election.
The two sides signed an agreement on exemption from visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports, a memorandum of understanding on Indian grant aid for high-impact community development projects implemented through local bodies and a memorandum of understanding on collaboration in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
The Indian side agreed to consider a request for aid for building a cricket stadium. Shahid thanked India for financial assistance in the form of budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit. Swaraj announced India’s decision to renew the quota for essential commodities, as requested by the Maldives, for three years starting from April 1.
The foreign ministers agreed on the importance of peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and to strengthen coordination for regional maritime security. Shahid expressed his country’s commitment to support efforts to combat terrorism, particularly cross-border terror, and trans-national crimes.
Swaraj also held talks with defence minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, finance minister Ibrahim Ameer, health minister Abdulla Ameen and home minister Sheikh Imran Abdulla, and said India stands ready to fully support the Maldives in socio-economic development in line with the “neighbourhood f i rst” policy.