External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to Visit Maldives for Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit the Maldives from August 9-11. The visit aims to enhance bilateral partnerships. This is Jaishankar's first visit after reappointment and follows President Mohamed Muizzu's India trip. Recent collaboration includes port expansions for essential exports.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on an official visit to the Maldives from August 9 to 11, aiming to bolster the partnership between the two countries and explore new avenues for enhancing bilateral relations. This visit marks Jaishankar's first trip to the island nation since his re-appointment for a second term.

The visit comes on the heels of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's recent trip to India for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet and Council of Ministers. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, "The External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, Dr. S Jaishankar, will pay an official visit to the Maldives from 09-11 August 2024. The visit follows the recent visit of the President of the Republic of Maldives, H. E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to India for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet and Council of Ministers."

Jaishankar last visited the Maldives in January 2023. As a key maritime neighbor, the Maldives plays a crucial role in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the Vision 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region). The statement further noted, "The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and exploring avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further."

Recently, India announced the addition of two new ports—Kandla Sea (INIXY1) and Vishakhapatnam Sea (INYTZ1)—for the export of essential commodities to the Maldives for the financial year 2024-25. This is in addition to four ports that were already in use. Shortly after Muizzu's swearing-in, bilateral tensions flared when he demanded the removal of approximately 88 Indian military personnel from the Maldives. These personnel were eventually replaced by Indian civilians by the May 10 deadline set by President Muizzu.

Muizzu's government has recently taken a reconciliatory tone following strained ties, which saw a diplomatic row in January due to derogatory comments made by three Maldivian deputy ministers about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)