Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel visits India for three days to strengthen bilateral relations in maritime security, trade, and investment. This visit follows President Muizzu’s earlier trip to India and aims to address various aspects of cooperation between the two countries amidst previous tensions due to Muizzu’s pro-China stance.

The Maldives Foreign Minister, Abdulla Khaleel, commenced a three-day visit to India to strengthen bilateral relations in key areas such as maritime security, trade, and investment. His visit follows the trip made by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to India three months earlier. On Friday, Minister Khaleel is scheduled to engage in comprehensive discussions with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing various facets of India-Maldives relations.

The visit is significant as it aims to advance the joint vision of a ‘Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership’ between the two nations. The Maldives holds strategic importance as one of India’s vital maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region. While bilateral relations, particularly in defense and security, flourished under the previous Maldivian administration, tensions arose following Muizzu’s rise to power, as he is perceived to be supportive of China. Shortly after his inauguration, President Muizzu requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, leading to civilians replacing them in the Maldives.

Nonetheless, President Muizzu, during his October visit to Delhi, expressed his intention to enhance relations with India, indicating a potential pathway to mend and improve ties between the two nations. Officials have reiterated their commitment to fostering robust diplomatic interactions and enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Maldives is strategically located in the Indian Ocean Region, making it a crucial partner for India in terms of maritime security and regional stability. Historically, the India-Maldives relationship has been characterized by close ties in defense, economic cooperation, and regional influence. However, the political landscape shifted following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, whose pro-China stance has raised concerns in New Delhi. His demand for the withdrawal of Indian troops indicates a potential pivot in Maldivian foreign policy, though both governments are now keen to explore amicable collaboration. This diplomatic visit by Minister Khaleel is an essential step toward revitalizing and strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

Minister Abdulla Khaleel’s visit to India embodies an important initiative to reinforce bilateral relations amid recent diplomatic strains. With discussions set to cover multiple aspects of cooperation, there is an opportunity to restore the camaraderie that has historically defined India-Maldives relations. As both nations work towards enhancing their comprehensive economic and security partnership, the future of their interactions suggests a path of collaboration and mutual benefit despite prior challenges.

Original Source: indianexpress.com

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