International News : India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday that Maldives occupies an essential place in India's 'Neighborhood First' policy, and he is looking forward to "meaningful dialogue" with the leadership of the archipelago nation. Jaishankar has arrived here on a three-day official visit to reset bilateral ties with the Maldives. This is the first high-level visit from India after pro-China President Mohammed Muizzu took office in the archipelago country last year. Relations between India and Maldives became quite bitter after Muizzu, who is considered pro-China, assumed the top office in November 2023. 

'Happy to reach Maldives'

Jaishankar said in a post on the social media platform 'X', "Happy to reach Maldives. Thank you, Foreign Minister Musa Jamir, for welcoming me at the airport. Maldives is important in our 'Neighborhood First' policy and 'SAGAR' approach. "He said, "Looking forward to fruitful talks with the leadership," Jamir said that he is happy to welcome Jaishankar on an official visit to Maldives. He said in his post on 'X', "Looking forward to fruitful discussions to further strengthen the historical relations between Maldives and India.

Jaishankar will meet President Muizzu

This is Jaishankar's first official visit to the Maldives since assuming office for a second term in June 2024. His last visit was in January 2023. Jaishankar's three-day visit till August 11 is taking place at the invitation of his Maldivian counterpart, Musa Zameer. Jaishankar is expected to pay a courtesy call to President Muizzu and also hold official talks with Zameer to review existing bilateral cooperation. 

There should be strong relations between the two countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement ahead of Jaishankar's visit, "Maldives is a major maritime neighbour of India and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and our 'SAGAR' vision, i.e. security and growth for all in the entire region." The ministry said, "The purpose of this visit is to strengthen the close partnership between the two countries and to find ways to expand bilateral relations further." According to a statement by the Maldives Foreign Ministry, the two ministers will inaugurate high-impact community development projects and complete projects under the Exim Bank of India's credit facility and exchange MoUs in capacity building, commerce, and trade sectors.