Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, has concluded his three-day official visit to the Maldives. The minister departed from Gan International Airport in Addu City, and was seen off by Ministerof Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, Mayor of Addu City Council Ali Nizaar and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Dr. Jaishankar arrived in the Maldives on August 09, and paid a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The president and the minister discussed the implementation of existing projects, as well as areas for future collaboration, including in economic, housing, defence, tourism, capacity development and infrastructure development. The president also shed light on the long-lasting ties between the Maldives and India, affirming that the Maldives will remain steadfast in maintaining and enhancing the bilateral relations.
In his visit, Minister Dr. Jaishankar met several ministers. Discussions were held between the external minister and the Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, pertaining to defence and security cooperation. Minister Dr. Jaishankar also met with his counterpart, Moosa Zameer. Their discussions covered topics including the economy, trade and investment, education, human resource development, health, tourism, sports, and defence, with a focus on enhancing bilateral ties. They also reviewed the progress of projects currently at various stages of implementation and inaugurated six grant projects under the High Impact Community Development Project scheme. India's external affairs minister also engaged in comprehensive discussions with the Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Finance Mohamed Shafeeq and the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) Ahmed Munawwar. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral ties in the trade sector.
Furthermore, Minister Zameer and Minister Dr. Jaishankar witnessed the exchange of two key agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The MoU aims to enhance and expand digital and integrated payment systems. Additionally, both ministers participated in the inauguration and handover of six High Impact Community Development Projects across seven different atolls.
In a separate ceremony held at the President’s Office, Minister Dr. Jaishankar handed over water and sewerage facilities implemented across 28 islands of the Maldives, undertaken through the EXIM Line of Credit, to Minister Zameer. Minister Dr. Jaishankar also reviewed the progress of the Greater Malé Connectivity Project—Malé to Thilafushi Link Project—a project of notable importance that signifies the strong Maldives-India partnership.
During his visit, Minister Dr. Jaishankar inaugurated the four-lane detour link road connecting Maradhoo to Hithadhoo in around Hankede Island—a major component of the “Design and Build of Construction of Roads and Drainage System in Addu City Project.” He also marked the completion of the shore protection projects, both funded by the EXIM Line of Credit facility provided with assistance from the Government of India.
The official visit of Minister Dr. Jaishankar marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. It was the first visit by the minister since the administration of President Dr. Muizzu took office. Both, Minister Zameer and Minister Dr. Jaishankar expressed their desire to elevate the friendship and strong alliance between the Maldives and India to new heights. Minister Zameer reiterated the commitment of the Maldives, to intensify cooperation with India across all avenues.