Maldives and India have held a strong relationship between both countries - a bond which is currently being tested. However, Minister Zameer's trip and meeting with his counterpart in India is aimed at strengthening this relationship between both countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has departed on an official trip to India today, marking the minister's first visit to India since assuming office under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration.
During the trip, which is reported to last until this coming Friday, Minister Zameer is scheduled to meet with India's Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar to discuss opportunities of enhancing the longstanding partnership between both countries.
Aside from being Minister Zameer's first official trip to India, this is also the first official trip of a senior member of the Maldivian government to the country since President Dr Muizzu took oath on 17th November, 2023.
This is a huge contrast to previous administrations where former Presidents prioritised their first official trip to India soon after being sworn in.
President Dr Muizzu's first official trip was to Turkey.
Minister Zameer's trip also comes at a time where the President's government is criticised for its close connection with China, and has been branded as a pro-Chinese government. Comments made about India by certain political figures within the government has also further strained the longstanding relationship between both countries.
However, the government claims that it will maintain an equal foreign policy for all countries, and will work on strengthening ties with all.
It is important to note in the matter, that President Muizzu's one major presidential pledge was to remove all Indian military personnel operating the helicopters and Dornier aircrafts in Maldives - resources gifted to the country's military by India.
Since assuming office however, President Dr Muizzu's government has now come to an agreement with India to replace the country's military personnel with civilian employees.
As per this agreement the foreign military personnel will depart Maldives in batches, two of which have already left the country. The remaining batch is also scheduled to depart by Friday.
Sign In