India’s S Jaishankar Visits Maldives to Strengthen Ties with President Mohamed Muizzu
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the Maldives from August 9 to 11. The visit aims to strengthen the partnership between India and the Maldives and explore ways to enhance their bilateral relationship.
This marks Jaishankar’s first visit to the Maldives after his re-appointment for a second term. His visit follows the recent trip of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to India for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet and Council of Ministers.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated, “The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further.”
Jaishankar previously visited the Maldives in January 2023. The Maldives is a key maritime neighbor and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and Vision ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Earlier this month, India announced two additional ports for the export of essential commodities to the Maldives for the financial year 2024-25. The new ports are Kandla Sea and Vishakhapatnam Sea, adding to the four ports already in use.
Shortly after President Muizzu was sworn in, he demanded the removal of approximately 88 Indian military personnel from the Maldives, which led to some bilateral tensions. These personnel were replaced by Indian civilians by the May 10 deadline set by President Muizzu.
Recently, Muizzu’s government took a reconciliatory tone after ties between the two nations soured due to derogatory comments made by three Maldivian deputy ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Doubts Revealed
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister. He is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries.
Maldives -: The Maldives is a small island country in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches and resorts.
President Mohamed Muizzu -: President Mohamed Muizzu is the leader of the Maldives. He works to make decisions for the country and represent it internationally.
External Affairs Minister -: The External Affairs Minister is a government official in charge of a country’s foreign relations and diplomacy.
Neighbourhood First Policy -: India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy is a strategy to improve relationships with neighboring countries like the Maldives.
Vision ‘SAGAR’ -: Vision ‘SAGAR’ stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region. It is India’s plan to ensure safety and development in the Indian Ocean region.
bilateral relations -: Bilateral relations refer to the relationship between two countries, in this case, India and the Maldives.
diplomatic tensions -: Diplomatic tensions are disagreements or conflicts between countries that can affect their relationship.
ports -: Ports are places where ships load and unload goods. India announced two new ports to help send important items to the Maldives.
