Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Bharat’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the official handover ceremony for completed water and sewerage projects across 28 Maldivian islands on Saturday.
In a post on X, President Muizzu expressed his gratitude, stating, “It was a pleasure to meet Dr S Jaishankar today and join him in the official handover of water and sewerage projects in 28 islands of the Maldives.”
He thanked the Indian Government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their steadfast support, stressing that “our enduring partnership continues to strengthen, bringing our nations closer through cooperation in security, development, and cultural exchange.”
The visit by Minister Jaishankar is part of a three-day official trip to the Maldives aimed at resetting and enhancing bilateral relations following President Muizzu’s recent inauguration. Despite Muizzu’s earlier pro-China stance and tensions over Indian military presence in the Maldives, this recent engagement reflects efforts by both nations to reaffirm and deepen their collaboration.
During the ceremony, Muizzu highlighted Bharat’s consistent support and aid to the Maldives, stating, “Bharat has always been one of the closest allies and invaluable partners, facilitating and providing aid whenever the Maldives has needed it.” He expressed profound thanks to PM Modi, the Indian Government, and the “friendly people” of Bharat for their “generous and continued assistance.”
The Maldives, a key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean, has seen its bilateral ties with Bharat, including in defence and security, improve significantly under previous administrations.
