President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the Maldives will always uphold its India First policy and that it remains committed to enhancing close ties with India. He made the remarks during a courtesy call by the Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar.
During the meeting held at the Equator Village in Addu City, President Solih and Minister Jaishankar discussed existing bilateral cooperation and the close friendship between the Maldives and India and agreed to continue efforts to further enhance and strengthen the bond between the two neighbouring countries through areas of mutual concern, benefit, and interest in the global sphere. They also discussed areas of mutual interest such as COVID-19 relief, tourism cooperation, socioeconomic development, healthcare, fisheries, human resource development, security cooperation, and regional and international cooperation.
At the meeting, President Solih recalled that India was the first country he visited shortly after assuming office and expressed gratitude for India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, stating that the Maldives continues to gain immense benefits from the policy. The president reiterated that the Maldives will always uphold its India First policy and that it remains committed to enhancing close ties with India. He also highlighted numerous developmental projects that are currently underway with assistance from India, stating that the visit by the minister would serve as an important reminder of the close friendship and strong partnership between the Maldives and India. He then expressed his resolve to work closely with India to ensure that the relationship continues to prosper.
Minister Jaishankar visited Addu City to attend the opening ceremony of the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement and signed a number of agreements with the Maldives.