External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
held a crucial meeting with Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer in Ugandan
capital Kampala, addressing concerns and tensions in the Bharat-Maldives
relationship. The dialogue, described as a “frank conversation,” took place against
the backdrop of tensed bilateral ties between the two nations.
Jaishankar, representing Bharat at the
Non-Aligned Movement or NAM summit in Kampala, shared insights into the meeting
on social media, stating, “Met Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer today in
Kampala. Held a frank conversation on Bharat-Maldives ties. Also discussed NAM
related issues.”
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Zameer echoed the sentiment, expressing
pleasure in meeting Jaishankar at the margins of the NAM Summit. He revealed
discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, accelerating
ongoing development projects in the Maldives, and cooperation within SAARC and
NAM.
“We are committed to further
strengthening and expanding our cooperation,” affirmed Zameer. The meeting sought
to address recent tensions, particularly regarding the withdrawal of Indian
military personnel from the Maldives, as promised by Maldivian President
Mohamed Muizzu.
The strain in ties surfaced when
President Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, reiterated his commitment to evict
Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Social media controversies and
derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi added to the
complexity.
The Maldives, a crucial maritime neighbour
in the Indian Ocean Region, has witnessed positive bilateral developments, with
Bharat contributing significantly to infrastructure projects.
The Greater Male Connectivity Project or
GMCP, a major initiative, aims to build a bridge and causeway link connecting
the capital city Male with nearby islands.
The meeting between Jaishankar and
Zameer signifies a diplomatic effort to navigate challenges and strengthen the
historically significant relationship between Bharat and the Maldives, both
strategically and economically.
