Maldivian Democratic Party President Abdulla Shahid Meets Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Male
On August 11, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid met with Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar during his visit to Male. Shahid expressed confidence that India will always be the first to assist the Maldives in times of need.
Shahid acknowledged the economic and diplomatic setbacks caused by the previous government’s anti-India stance and welcomed the current shift towards improved relations. He stated that the Maldives’ government’s anti-India stance led to economic losses and a decline in the country’s international standing.
Shahid wrote on X, “Great pleasure to warmly welcome and meet Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to the Maldives with my colleagues from @MDPSecretariat. The Maldives has always been confident that India will always be the first responder any time the Maldives ‘dials an international 911.'”
He further added, “The current government’s initial stoking of anti-India sentiments through aggressive slogans, mockery, and the branding of a time-tested friend and development partner as a regional bully, has caused a decline in the Maldives’ international standing, economic loss, and many other unnecessary difficulties and challenges.”
The MDP welcomed the recalibration of the Maldives-India policy by President Muizzu’s government and called for a public apology for the previous anti-India actions. The MDP highlighted various projects funded by India, including the reclamation and shore protection project, the 4-Lane Detour Link Road, and the High Impact Community Development Projects.
During his visit, Jaishankar handed over a major water and sanitation project worth USD 110 million, spanning 28 islands. The MDP also appreciated the signing of the MoU between the Ministry of Economic Development and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enhance digital payment systems.
Jaishankar was accompanied by Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil, Vice President Hisaan Hussein, Youth Wing President Rifqa Shiham, Foreign Relations Committee Members Aminath Shauna and Hussein Shaheem, and Secretary General Shaazly Shafeeq.
Doubts Revealed
Maldivian Democratic Party -: The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is a political party in the Maldives, a small island country in the Indian Ocean. It works to promote democracy and good governance in the Maldives.
Abdulla Shahid -: Abdulla Shahid is a politician from the Maldives. He is the President of the Maldivian Democratic Party and has also served as the Foreign Minister of the Maldives.
Indian External Affairs Minister -: The Indian External Affairs Minister is the person in charge of India’s foreign relations. S Jaishankar is the current minister, responsible for managing India’s interactions with other countries.
Male -: Male is the capital city of the Maldives. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the country.
anti-India stance -: An anti-India stance means having a negative or unfriendly attitude towards India. The previous Maldivian government had policies that were not supportive of India.
economic and diplomatic setbacks -: Economic and diplomatic setbacks refer to problems in the economy and in relationships with other countries. These can include losing money, jobs, or having conflicts with other nations.
infrastructure -: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical systems of a country, like roads, bridges, and water supply. These are important for the functioning of a society.
community development initiatives -: Community development initiatives are projects aimed at improving the living conditions and well-being of people in a community. This can include building schools, hospitals, and other facilities.
water and sanitation project -: A water and sanitation project is a plan to provide clean water and proper waste disposal systems to a community. This helps to keep people healthy and prevent diseases.
