External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to embark on a three-day visit to the Maldives starting tomorrow, marking an important diplomatic engagement with India's key maritime neighbour. This visit comes nearly a year after his last trip to the Maldives in January 2023 and is aimed at further strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Maldives holds a significant place in India’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the 'SAGAR' vision, which stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.
These initiatives underscore the strategic importance India places on maintaining strong ties with its neighbours and promoting collective security and development in the region. Jaishankar’s visit will focus on enhancing this close partnership and exploring new avenues for cooperation.
However, Jaishankar's visit comes at a time when relations between India and the Maldives have faced challenges. The recently elected President of the Maldives, Mohamad Muizzu, has expressed intentions to shift away from the "India First" policy that had previously characterised the relationship between the two nations. This shift has led to concerns in New Delhi, as India has historically been a close ally and supporter of the Maldives.
Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to foster economic cooperation between the two countries. Earlier this year, in May, a senior Maldivian minister revealed that India had initiated discussions on the possibility of establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two nations.
These discussions are ongoing, and both sides are exploring the potential benefits of such an agreement. The Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, highlighted that India is keen on expanding its trade relationship with the Maldives beyond the existing South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
Saeed emphasised that the Maldivian government is open to entering into agreements with multiple countries to facilitate easier trade and boost economic activities.
Jaishankar's visit is expected to address these developments and seek to reinforce the longstanding ties between India and the Maldives. The discussions will likely cover a range of topics, including security cooperation, economic partnerships, and regional stability. As the Maldives is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, its role in regional security and maritime affairs is of significant interest to India.
Moreover, the visit could provide an opportunity for India to reaffirm its commitment to the Maldives' development through various projects and initiatives. India has been involved in several infrastructure and developmental projects in the Maldives, including housing, water, and sanitation projects.
These efforts are part of India’s broader strategy to support the Maldives in its development journey and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations.
As the visit unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how both countries navigate the complexities of their relationship in the current geopolitical context. The outcome of Jaishankar's visit could have a lasting impact on the direction of India-Maldives relations and the broader dynamics of South Asian regional politics.
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