Jaishankar's Diplomatic Mission: Strengthening India-Maldives Ties Amid Pro-China Shifts

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits the Maldives for a three-day trip to mend bilateral relations strained by the pro-China stance of President Mohamed Muizzu. It marks the first high-level visit from India since Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel after taking office.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in the Maldives for a three-day official visit aimed at resetting the troubled bilateral relationship with the island nation. This marks the first high-level Indian visit since the pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu took office last year.

Jaishankar’s visit follows President Muizzu’s trip to India in June, where he attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. The relations between the two countries have been tense since Muizzu assumed office in November 2023, resulting in the immediate demand for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, who were replaced by civilians by May 10.

Invited by his Maldivian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, Jaishankar’s visit includes a courtesy call to President Muizzu and official talks to review and potentially strengthen bilateral cooperation between the nations. This is Jaishankar’s first visit to the Maldives in his second term, previously visiting in January 2023.