NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will meet his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khaleel on Monday to review the implementation of the India-Maldives comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, a key pillar of bilateral cooperation.
Khaleel, who arrived in India on Sunday evening for a three-day visit, is leading a high-level delegation. This marks his third trip to India this year, underlining the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries after a turbulent period.
The discussions will take place during the second meeting of the High-Level Core Group (HLCG), which was set up to monitor progress on the vision document jointly adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in October 2023.
Khaleel’s visit reflects the “intensified high-level political exchanges” between the two sides. He will also hold bilateral talks with Jaishankar during his stay.
“Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and vision MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,” the External Affairs Ministry said.
The visit aims to deepen cooperation under the wide-ranging India-Maldives partnership that spans infrastructure, trade, defence, and maritime security.
Bilateral ties had soured following President Muizzu’s election in November 2023, amid his calls for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. India later replaced its military presence in the Maldives with civilian technical staff. Relations began to stabilise after Muizzu’s visit to Delhi in October, where he signalled a willingness to strengthen ties with India.
Khaleel’s ongoing visit is expected to reinforce that momentum and keep the focus on shared strategic and economic interests in the Indian Ocean region.
Maldives’ close proximity to India’s west coast — just about 70 nautical miles from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles from the Indian mainland — makes it a key strategic partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Its location along major international sea lanes further enhances its importance in India’s maritime security calculus.
Under India’s “Neighbourhood First” foreign policy, the Maldives holds a special place as a vital partner in ensuring stability and prosperity across the IOR. Both countries are central to maintaining the safety and security of the region, contributing directly to India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.