President: Maldives will always maintain "India First Policy"

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has assured Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Monday that Maldives will continue to uphold the India First Policy.

During his visit to India, the President met with Jaishankar at the ITC Maurya Hotel in New Delhi and expressed his gratitude to the Indian government for its assistance in the socio-economic development of the Maldives.

The administration has been maintaining close relations with India since its inception. However, the opposition has criticised The Maldives' foreign policy stating an undue inclination towards India.

The Indian government is also assisting in several development projects in Maldives. The Thilamale' bridge project; the largest infrastructure development project undertaken by the current administration, will also be officially commenced during the visit.

According to the President's Office, President Solih held discussions with Jaishankar regarding the ongoing projects in Maldives under the assistance of India.

Discussions were also held on further strengthening the long standing friendly relations between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

A statement by the President's Office said, "The Indian External Affairs Minister noted that projects are currently progressing at a rapid pace in Maldives with the assistance of India, and assured that he will work to expedite the work on these projects"

The President is currently on a four day official visit to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his visit, President Solih is also scheduled to meet with business leaders from Delhi and Mumbai.

This is President Solih's second official visit to India. After taking oath of office in November 2018, the President made his first official to India. Prime Minister Modi had also visited the Maldives on the president's invite.