External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to commence a three-day official visit to the Maldives today, marking the first high-level engagement between New Delhi and Malé since diplomatic relations soured following the election of pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu nearly nine months ago. This visit is seen as a critical effort to mend and strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Jaishankar’s trip comes in the wake of President Muizzu’s visit to Bharat on June 9 for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers. That visit was President Muizzu’s first official engagement in Bharat since he assumed office in November last year.
In a statement released by the External Affairs Ministry, Bharat reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Maldives as a key maritime neighbour and a vital partner in its Neighbourhood First policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.
The statement asserted that Jaishankar’s visit is intended to strengthen the close partnership between the two countries and explore further avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Jaishankar last visited the Maldives in January 2023, highlighting the continuity of high-level exchanges between the two nations.
Diplomatic relations between Bharat and the Maldives have been under strain since President Muizzu, who campaigned on an “India-out” platform, took office. Shortly after inauguration, President Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, leading to their replacement by civilian staff.
The situation further deteriorated when three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory remarks about Bharat and PM Modi on social media, which led to their suspension following widespread criticism.
Despite the recent tensions, the Maldives remains a crucial maritime neighbour for Bharat, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. Under the previous government in Malé, bilateral relations, especially in defence and security, had seen significant improvement.
Jaishankar’s current visit aims to restore and strengthen these ties, reflecting Bharat’s commitment to maintaining robust relations with its key regional partners.
