S Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, will be traveling to the Maldives starting on Friday. The recent development occurred just weeks after Maldives leader Mohamed Muizzu participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Narendra Modi-led government.

The Maldives is a crucial maritime neighbor of India and plays a significant role in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and our vision of ‘SAGAR’ – which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. The purpose of the visit is to reinforce the strong partnership between both countries and to seek ways to improve the bilateral relationship even more,” stated the MEA.

According to the ministry, the visit is intended to strengthen the strong partnership between the two countries and find ways to improve the bilateral relationship even more.

Relations between India and the Maldives worsened recently when Muizzu, who became president after focusing on an “India Out” message, asked for over 80 troops based in the Maldives to be taken out. These troops were there to use two helicopters and an aircraft for medical and relief missions. India completed the substitution of military personnel with civilian professionals earlier this year.

Furthermore, Muizzu worked to minimize the Maldives’ reliance on India for food security and healthcare by negotiating multiple agreements with China, including one on military equipment and training.

However, in recent weeks, India and the Maldives have attempted to restore their relationship, with Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visiting New Delhi in May to meet with Indian officials.

Mrsinghtv