Maldives as a Key Representation of India's 'Neighbourhood First' Approach: EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi/Male, Jan 3 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar remarked on Friday that the Maldives serves as a key representation of India's 'Neighbourhood First' strategy, asserting that New Delhi has consistently supported the Indian Ocean nation, especially in terms of financial aid during difficult periods.

"We have enhanced our cooperation in numerous areas, and I want to stress that India has always been there for the Maldives. You exemplify our 'Neighbourhood First' approach," EAM Jaishankar stated during a meeting with Abdulla Khaleel, the visiting Foreign Affairs Minister of Maldives, at New Delhi's Hyderabad House.

The two nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the execution of High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III in the Maldives, facilitated by grant assistance from the Government of India, while also reviewing progress on agreements established during Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's state visit in October 2024, and addressing matters that require further attention.

"I believe we have some significant and positive updates to share, and certainly, there is much more to accomplish. I see that the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions has been finalized. Our engagement in various sectors has increased," Jaishankar noted in his opening remarks at the bilateral talks.

Khaleel expressed gratitude for the timely emergency financial assistance provided by India to the Maldives in times of need, underscoring India's role as the 'First Responder' for the Maldives. He reaffirmed the Muizzu government's strong commitment to collaborate closely with the Government of India to realize the Joint Vision for an India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

Stressing that his three-day visit to India marks his first bilateral engagement of the year, he noted that 2025 is a significant year for Maldives-India relations as both nations celebrate 60 years of formal diplomatic ties.

"Our partnership has historical roots. It is built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment. Grounded in decades of trust and friendship, it will continue to flourish... As a beneficiary of India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Maldives government greatly values the importance India places on its relationship with the Maldives. There are numerous instances where India has consistently been a primary responder in our times of need," he asserted.

"We are always thankful to India for its prompt assistance, particularly through grants and concessional loans. On the development front, India's support has been transformative. The Greater Male Connectivity Project stands as a striking example, promising to revolutionize the economic landscape of the Maldives," Khaleel added.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister's visit, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is part of ongoing high-level interactions between the two nations, providing an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of both countries and the Indian Ocean Region, reflecting the significance India attributes to its bilateral relations with the Maldives under the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision SAGAR, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.

Khaleel was appointed as the Maldives Foreign Minister on September 30 of last year by Muizzu. Before this appointment, he held the position of Minister of Health and acknowledged that India's 'significant contribution' was crucial to his tourism-dependent country's swift recovery from the Covid pandemic.

In October, Khaleel accompanied Muizzu on a 'landmark' five-day state visit—the first by the Maldivian President since he took office in November 2023.

This trip, he noted, was characterized by 'insightful discussions' and further solidified the partnership, marking another significant milestone in the longstanding friendship between Maldives and India.

"Our commitment to enhance the Maldives-India partnership remains steadfast, and I look forward to our promising future collaborations for the mutual benefit of our nations and peoples," Khaleel expressed on X on October 10 following the conclusion of the visit.

Both nations also adopted a 'Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership', which will steer the bilateral relationship across multiple sectors during Muizzu's visit.