New Delhi: Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, who arrived in India for first official visit on Friday, held discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Jaishankar during his opening remarks noted key developments such as the signing of a framework to facilitate local currency use for cross-border transactions and increased collaboration across various sectors.
"I see that the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions has been signed," Jaishankar said. "We have increased our engagement in various sectors and I do want to say that India has always stood by the Maldives. You are a very concrete expression of our neighbourhood's first policy," he added.
The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security witnessed an upward trajectory under the previous government in Male.
India-Maldives ties
The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November 2023. Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians. However, there was a thaw in the relations as Muizzu vowed to boost the bilateral ties with India during his visit to Delhi in October.
During the meeting, Jaishankar said, "Let me welcome you and your delegation to India on your first official visit. I extend my greetings for the new year, and I must say you are my first official visitor, and diplomatic visitor for this year, so you are doubly welcome. I think we have some important developments to report, positive developments to report, and certainly, there is much more that we need to do. I see that the framework to promote the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions has been signed."
Jaishankar further reaffirmed India's commitment to the Maldives and described the country as a "concrete expression" of India's Neighborhood First policy.
Ex-Maldives president dismisses report claiming Indian involvement in 'plot' against Muizzu
Notably, India's assurance came days after a Washington Post report alleged that the Maldives opposition sought USD 6 million from India to aid in a plot to impeach Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu. However, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party and the country's largest opposition party, Mohamed Nasheed, dismissed the report and said he was unaware of any "serious plot" against President Muizzu and added that India would never support such a move.
"I read with interest today's Washington Post article. I was unaware of any serious plot against the President, though some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives' democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either," Mohamed Nasheed wrote.
(With agency inputs)
ALSO READ: China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement takes effect from January 1 in a 'significant milestone'
