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Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdulla Shahid will be in India on an official visit on 11-12 July 11-12, 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday (10, July 2023).
During his visit to New Delhi, Foreign Minister Shahid will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two ministers will also witness the exchange of project development agreements, facilitated by Indian grant assistance. These agreements serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the two nations to foster growth and progress in various areas of development.
Additionally, as a highlight of his visit, Foreign Minister Shahid is scheduled to deliver the prestigious 43rd Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi. This lecture provides a platform for him to express his insights and perspectives on global affairs, contributing to the intellectual discourse on international relations.
In a tweet, Foreign Minister Shahid expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, "Keeping with the tradition of high-level exchanges between #Maldives and #India, I am departing to New Delhi on an Official Visit at the invitation of EAM @DrSJaishankar. Look forward to continuing our discussions on enhancing the #MaldivesIndiaPartnership.”
Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, the MEA noted.
The ministry added that Foreign Minister Shahid’s visit is in continuation of the series of high level visits from both sides and is expected to lend further momentum to the substantive bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The upcoming visit resonates the significance of the bilateral relationship between Maldives and India, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to strengthen their ties and deepen cooperation. Through this visit, the ministers aim to engage in constructive dialogue, promote understanding, and explore avenues for enhanced collaboration in the pursuit of shared objectives.
Under the SAGAR vision, Prime Minister Modi recognizes the Indian Ocean's vital role in global trade, connectivity, and security. It aims to promote a secure and prosperous maritime domain for all nations in the region. The idea underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among Indian Ocean stakeholders to safeguard sea routes, combat piracy, promote sustainable maritime practices, and enhance economic integration.
In parallel, the Neighbourhood First Policy outlines India's commitment to prioritize its neighboring countries in foreign policy and development initiatives. By deepening ties and fostering mutually beneficial relationships with neighboring nations, India seeks to create an environment of peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
This policy reflects India's intent to address the specific needs and concerns of its immediate neighbors as a whole, of which Maldives is currently engaged in fostering regional unity and cooperation Through continued engagement and collaboration, both countries can leverage their geographic proximity and shared interests to, strengthen security mechanisms, promote economic growth, and contribute to the stability and progress of the Indian Ocean Region.
The visit of Foreign Minister Shahid is expected to build upon an existing interactive foundation; recognizing that diplomacy shouldn’t be defined by limits. By leveraging their strategic geographical locations and common interests, India and the Maldives can further strengthen their partnership, to bolster regional stability, and pursue shared goals for the collective benefit of the region as a whole.
During his visit to New Delhi, Foreign Minister Shahid will meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The two ministers will also witness the exchange of project development agreements, facilitated by Indian grant assistance. These agreements serve as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the two nations to foster growth and progress in various areas of development.
Additionally, as a highlight of his visit, Foreign Minister Shahid is scheduled to deliver the prestigious 43rd Sapru House Lecture at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi. This lecture provides a platform for him to express his insights and perspectives on global affairs, contributing to the intellectual discourse on international relations.
In a tweet, Foreign Minister Shahid expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, "Keeping with the tradition of high-level exchanges between #Maldives and #India, I am departing to New Delhi on an Official Visit at the invitation of EAM @DrSJaishankar. Look forward to continuing our discussions on enhancing the #MaldivesIndiaPartnership.”
Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occupies a special place in Prime Minister’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’, the MEA noted.
The ministry added that Foreign Minister Shahid’s visit is in continuation of the series of high level visits from both sides and is expected to lend further momentum to the substantive bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The upcoming visit resonates the significance of the bilateral relationship between Maldives and India, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to strengthen their ties and deepen cooperation. Through this visit, the ministers aim to engage in constructive dialogue, promote understanding, and explore avenues for enhanced collaboration in the pursuit of shared objectives.
Under the SAGAR vision, Prime Minister Modi recognizes the Indian Ocean's vital role in global trade, connectivity, and security. It aims to promote a secure and prosperous maritime domain for all nations in the region. The idea underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among Indian Ocean stakeholders to safeguard sea routes, combat piracy, promote sustainable maritime practices, and enhance economic integration.
In parallel, the Neighbourhood First Policy outlines India's commitment to prioritize its neighboring countries in foreign policy and development initiatives. By deepening ties and fostering mutually beneficial relationships with neighboring nations, India seeks to create an environment of peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
This policy reflects India's intent to address the specific needs and concerns of its immediate neighbors as a whole, of which Maldives is currently engaged in fostering regional unity and cooperation Through continued engagement and collaboration, both countries can leverage their geographic proximity and shared interests to, strengthen security mechanisms, promote economic growth, and contribute to the stability and progress of the Indian Ocean Region.
The visit of Foreign Minister Shahid is expected to build upon an existing interactive foundation; recognizing that diplomacy shouldn’t be defined by limits. By leveraging their strategic geographical locations and common interests, India and the Maldives can further strengthen their partnership, to bolster regional stability, and pursue shared goals for the collective benefit of the region as a whole.
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