India and Maldives reiterate ‘unwavering’ commitment to promoting close bilateral relations
India and the Maldives on Sunday reiterated their “unwavering” commitment to promote “continued close relations” and enhance bilateral cooperation. Photo: Shutterstock
India and the Maldives on Sunday reiterated their “unwavering” commitment to promoting “continued close ties” and enhancing bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to work together to maintain peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.
Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives Munu Mahawar on Sunday visited President Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office, the President’s Office said in a press release.
Mahawar and Muizzu discussed ways to further strengthen ties between the two countries and spoke about various projects that India is implementing in the Maldives.
Mahawar “expressed his gratitude to the President for accepting the invitation and attending the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi for a new term,” the document said.
Muizzu was in New Delhi last month to attend Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, his first visit to India after becoming the island’s president in November last year.
Mahawar highlighted the numerous productive opportunities for continued cooperation between the two countries and reiterated India’s commitment to assist in the progress and development of the Maldives and its people.
Muizzu expressed his appreciation for the “warm welcome and generous hospitality” extended to him by the Indian government during his visit to Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony.
He expressed his gratitude for India’s commitment to assisting the Maldives in its development and meeting the needs of the Maldivians.
The two reiterated their “unwavering commitment to promoting close ties and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the Maldives and India,” the press release said.
“They also agreed to continue working together towards the common goal of maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region,” the report said.
“India is committed to further strengthening its special relationship with the Maldives,” the Indian High Commissioner said in a message on X, responding to the press release.
Relations between India and the Maldives have been under severe strain since November last year when Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took office as the president of the Maldives.
Muizzu had asked India to withdraw nearly 90 Indian military personnel operating three air platforms donated by the country. India withdrew its military personnel on May 10 and replaced them with civilian personnel to operate a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been edited by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First print: Jul 15, 2024 | 07:05 AM IST