Jaishankar's Diplomatic Mission: Strengthening Indo-Maldivian Ties

S Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, is set to visit the Maldives from August 9-11 in a significant diplomatic engagement following the recent inauguration of the island nation's pro-China President, Mohamed Muizzu. The visit aims to reinforce bilateral relations and explore new avenues for cooperation.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled for a three-day visit to the Maldives, starting Friday. This marks the first high-level visit from India to the island nation since Mohamed Muizzu, the pro-China president, assumed office nearly nine months ago.

President Muizzu had earlier visited India in June to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union council of ministers. Now, Jaishankar's visit aims to strengthen the close partnership between India and the Maldives and to explore opportunities to deepen the bilateral relationship further.

The visit comes amid strained ties between the two nations, especially after Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives shortly after taking office. Despite this, the Maldives remains a key maritime neighbor and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region).