Maldives minister visits Indian capital for talks
Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has visited New Delhi for talks with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar as the two nations struggle with simmering diplomatic tension.
Mr Zameer, who arrived late on Wednesday for a three-day tour, is the first senior official from the Maldives to visit India, a traditional partner of the government in Male.
“The two leaders discussed development partnership and ongoing capacity building and training initiatives. India has been a first responder on numerous occasions for Maldives,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, on Thursday.
Mr Zameer’s visit came days after the withdrawal of an Indian military contingent from the Maldives, as Male moves to strengthen ties with China.
While India has for decades considered the Maldives a strategic neighbour, relations have been strained since President Mohamed Muizzu was elected in November last year after a campaign many criticised for its perceived anti-India rhetoric.
Mr Muizzu chose Beijing for his first foreign visit in January, breaking a tradition of Maldivian presidents making New Delhi their initial port of call.
During his meeting with Mr Zameer, Mr Jaishankar said the development of relations between Male and New Delhi was based on “mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity”. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to assisting the Maldives’ development in several areas.
“They range from infrastructure projects and social initiatives to medical evacuation and health facilities,” Mr Jaishankar said.
“We have also extended financial support on favourable terms in the past … our co-operation has also enhanced the security and well-being of your country through shared activities, equipment provisioning, capacity building and training.
“We will be reviewing the various dimensions of our ties. It is in our common interest that we reach an understanding on how best we take our relationship forward.”
Male has intensified ties with Beijing in recent years, as China – which is the Maldives’ largest external creditor, accounting for about 20 per cent of its public debt – has invested in infrastructure projects.
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry on Thursday said both ministers had acknowledged the “fruitful economic partnership” and the progress of projects enabled by Indian grants and credit.
Mr Zameer voiced gratitude for India’s support in advancing economic, trade and investment ties, and said Mr Muizzu will “hopefully visit India very soon”.