Discussions held to establish Indian consulate in Addu

Maldives and India today engaged in high level discussion to establish an Indian consulate in Addu City.

The discussions took place in India during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's ongoing visit to India, where he had an audience with the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Additionally, the discussions also centred around establishing a Maldivian consulate in Bangalore as well. However, a senior Maldivian official said these are only discussions, and that a decision is yet to be made.

"These are discussions that have been taking place since a long time back. These are long term discussions," they said.

While discussions took place to established the consulate in Addu City, the second most populous area of the country, India's cabinet passed a motion in 2021 to establish a consulate there.

At the time, the Indian Embassy in Maldives said that the decision was made because of the close bilateral ties between both countries and because Maldives plays a crucial role in India's "neighbourhood first policy" and "security and growth for all in the region (SAGAR) policies.

However, Maldives' then president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said at the time that the country had not made any decisions regarding the matter. He also said that discussions would take place to fulfil the needs within the boundaries of diplomatic relationships.

India's decision back then was met with backlash and a 'Save Addu' campaign initiated by residents of Addu. Youth of the city also submitted a petition to President Solih in protest.

Concerns raised include claims of unknown deeper reasons behind establishing the consulate and that it could lead to difficulties for Addu residents later on.

If Maldives approves the establishment of an Indian consulate in Addu City, it would be the first time a foreign diplomatic mission is approved to be established outside of the capital Malé.

Maldives currently has a high commission in India's capital New Delhi, and an additional consulate in Trivandrum.