Minister Khaleel said that the Maldives and India share a long-standing relationship in areas such as trade, development, and social development.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel has reaffirmed that while the Maldives will maintain friendly relations with all countries, it prioritizes its ties with India.
In an interview with Wion News during his official visit to India last weekend, Khaleel was asked about India's concerns regarding the Maldives' growing ties with China.
He responded by stating that in a divided world, maintaining close, friendly relations with various nations is the most beneficial policy for the Maldives.
Khaleel emphasized that the Maldives and India share a long-standing relationship in areas such as trade, development, and social development.
“Therefore, in its relations with countries, the Maldives will always prioritize its relations with India,” he said.
The Minister also assured that the Maldives and India would not allow relations with other countries to weaken their bond.
"India is the Maldives' neighbor. India is the first responder to anything that happens in the Maldives. So, we will not allow our relationship with another country to weaken our ties with India," Khaleel added.
This visit marked Khaleel’s first official trip to India since taking office on September 30, last year.
"We consider India's security as our security," Minister Khaleel said reaffirming Maldives' commitment to the stability and security of the Indian Ocean.
Regarding the 'India Out' campaign led by former President Abdulla Yameen, Khaleel made it clear that the current government opposes it.
Khaleel said that although the government irrefutably stands against the campaign, some within the government have made comments against this policy in times of high emotion.
However, he assured that this was not the government's stand, and stated that the fact that the President takes action against such persons is testament to the strong relations with India.
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