New Delhi has reaffirmed its commitment to the Maldives, with recent developments signaling stronger ties between the two nations. During the official visit of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, agreements were signed to promote local currency use for bilateral trade, highlighting India's support for the island nation under its Neighbourhood First policy.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s dedication, stating, "India has always stood by the Maldives. You are a very concrete expression of our neighbourhood first policy." This meeting laid the groundwork for enhanced maritime security, trade, and investment cooperation, which are pivotal for both countries moving forward.
Khaleel's visit, spanning three days, marks his first official engagement with India. During discussions, he expressed appreciation for India's continued support, particularly amid fiscal challenges faced by the Maldives. The foreign minister remarked, "We reviewed the progress of our bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed our strong commitment to enhancing engagements across key sectors."
A key aspect of Khaleel's visit was the signing of the next phase of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP), aimed at fostering growth and addressing socio-economic challenges within the Maldives. Under this agreement, India is set to provide infrastructure improvements, directly benefiting local communities.
India and the Maldives share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and ethnic ties, forming the foundation of their long-standing relationship. Since Maldives gained independence, India has played a significant role, shown through many diplomatic and high-profile visits. For example, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's presence at President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's inauguration in 2018 was instrumental.
Despite some tensions following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu — who is known for his pro-China stance — relations have experienced improvement. After Muizzu's visit to New Delhi, the two sides recognized the need for collaboration, particularly considering regional security risks. During his discussions, Khaleel noted, "India Security is Maldives Security," highlighting the interdependence of both nations' safety and stability.
Jaishankar, speaking on social media platform X, reinforced the importance of this alliance. He stated, "India will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives’ progress and prosperity, aligning with our Neighbourhood First policy and vision SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region)."
This vision, originally articulated in 2015, emphasizes India's intention to promote trade, connectivity, and security not just for the Maldives but for the entire Indian Ocean region.
This commitment was echoed by Khaleel, who remarked, "I conveyed our appreciation for India’s unwavering support and assistance to the Maldives throughout our long history of relations." Such statements reflect both nations' intent to deepen this partnership based on mutual trust and respect.
The recent agreements symbolize the continued resolve of both India and the Maldives to navigate through challenges and maintain momentum in their bilateral relationship. This contact demonstrates their shared interests and the potential for greater cooperation, especially under the auspices of India's proven policy of regional engagement.
Looking forward, both countries' leaders appear intent on addressing developmental priorities through collaborative initiatives, assuring stability and prosperity for the Maldives, and reinforcing India's strategic foothold within the Indian Ocean. Hence, as they move forward, the power of their historical ties combined with new agreements and mutual respect could well assure not only the Maldives' development but also regional stability.