as a dramatic improvement in India-Maldives relations The President said that President Mohammad Muizzu’s first state visit to India in recent months began on Sunday.
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That Maldives will never do anything that weakens India’s security.
Ahead of his meeting with PM Narendra Modi on Monday, and amid concerns over the strategically located neighboring country’s growing ties with China, Muizzu said Male continues to enhance cooperation with other countries in various sectors, but it Committed to ensuring that his actions do not allow this to happen. Compromise the security and stability of the region.
Muizzu said India is a valued partner and friend of Maldives and the relationship is built on mutual respect and shared interests. He also said that Maldives will continue to maintain strong and strategic relations with India and work jointly to ensure regional stability.
following one Maldives First PolicyThe President said his country will continue to give priority to its long-term and trusting relations with India. “We are confident that our partnerships with other countries will not undermine India’s security interests,” the President said, adding that the Maldives will continue to build strong and strategic ties with India.
Maldives and India now understand each other’s concerns better defense cooperation The President said, there will always be priority among them. He justified the withdrawal of Indian troops, although said it reflected the wishes of the local people.
Muizzu said recent developments reflect a positive trajectory in bilateral relations and by the end of his first state visit it will be clear that Male is committed to promoting a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership.
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This is your first official bilateral visit to India since assuming office in November last year. After going through a lot of ups and downs for the last 10 months, the relationship seems to be stabilizing and things are getting better. To whom would you give credit for this change?
This is my first state visit to India, and I am very happy to do it in the first year of my tenure. I thank the President of India, Her Excellency Draupadi Murmu and the Government for this invitation. As you know, I have already visited India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi in June this year. I also had the privilege of meeting the Prime Minister on the sidelines of COP28, shortly after his inauguration in November. You might agree, it’s far from a roller coaster ride. This historical relationship is interconnected like the roots of a tree, built on centuries of exchange and shared values. We have been working on preparations for this visit for some time and have reached mutual understanding and a convenient time. The relations between Maldives and India have always been strong and I am confident that this visit will further strengthen it.
What are the biggest achievements you see from this trip? Apart from continued developmental assistance, are you expecting any special assistance from India to deal with the current financial situation?
As this is my first state visit to India, I hope it reflects the commitment of both governments to enhance relations and work towards a shared vision for development. India remains one of our largest trade and development partners. And I am confident that it will be a very successful journey. I am sure you will find them soon, as the journey is just around the corner.
With the expulsion of Indian military personnel, you managed to force your way onto a sensitive issue, and also fulfilled one of your campaign promises. Are you considering setting limits on defense cooperation with India, given that some other agreements signed during your previous tenure are also said to be under review? What role do you see India playing in enhancing its defense capabilities and ensuring peace, security and stability in this part of the Indo-Pacific?
As I just said, India is one of our largest development partners, and defense cooperation will always be a priority. In challenging times globally, with regional wars threatening the security of all countries, it is important to foster these collaborations, especially to promote the security of the Indian Ocean region. And I can say with confidence that Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns. I did what the people of Maldives asked of me. The recent changes reflect our efforts to address domestic priorities. The purpose of our review of past agreements is to ensure that they are consistent with our national interests and contribute positively to regional stability. As the world’s largest democracy, I believe the people and government of India understand this.
During External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit, a number of new projects and initiatives were announced which, as you said, will boost the local economy and contribute to the prosperity of the Maldives. You have also accepted the restructuring of the Line of Credit arrangement. Are you satisfied with the progress in the implementation of some big projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project?
We are very happy with our relationship with India and it will only get stronger, especially after this visit. The Greater Male Connectivity Project is a major project between our countries. We are pleased with the progress made on several key projects and initiatives announced during External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit. These projects are important to boost our local economy and contribute to the prosperity of the Maldives. The provision of line of credit has been a positive step, facilitating the smooth execution of these projects. While there is always room for improvement, we are confident that with continued collaboration and support, significant progress will be achieved, especially with major projects such as the Greater Male Connectivity Project.
As far as India’s relations with Maldives are concerned, China is playing an important role in this matter. You want to expand your defense cooperation with China, as well as boost trade and investment ties. As you work with the Chinese, can India ensure that Maldives will not do anything that would harm India’s security interests?
Maldives will never do anything that weakens India’s security. India is a valued partner and friend of the Maldives, and our relationship is built on mutual respect and shared interests. While we enhance our cooperation with other countries in various fields, we remain committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region. Maldives will continue to prioritize its long-term and trusting relations with India and we are confident that our relations with other countries will not harm India’s security interests.
Maldives will soon implement the FTA signed with China in 2017. Given the significant trade imbalance, what do you make of the concern that this could undermine the economic sovereignty of the Maldives?
Maldives values its economic partnerships and is committed to promoting growth and development through diverse international collaborations. We are conscious of maintaining our economic sovereignty and ensuring that our trade policies benefit the people of Maldives. We will continue to engage in transparent and balanced trade practices to address any concerns and maintain our country’s economic interests.
Some time ago, many people also saw you as one of the architects of the India Out campaign. Given the recent developments in the relationship and the prevailing air of positivity, would you say that we are seeing a return to what was known as Maldives’ India First policy? Or do you think it is important for Maldives to reduce its dependence on India, despite geographical proximity?
Maldives values its relations with India and recognizes the importance of our geographical proximity and historical ties. Recent developments reflect a positive trajectory in our bilateral relations, and we are committed to fostering a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership. I believe this will become clear to everyone at the end of this journey. While it is essential for the Maldives to diversify its international relations and reduce excessive dependence on any one country, we are dedicated to maintaining a strong and strategic partnership with India, ensuring that our policies are in the best interest of our nation. Serve interests and make regional contributions. Stability. In my inaugural address in November 2017, I made this very clear. My policy is ‘Maldives First’ policy. Maldives will always be in first place for me. But respect for our neighbors and friends is embedded in our DNA. Indians have always been welcomed in Maldives, may Indians continue to prosper, stay safe and happy in Maldives. Indians have a positive contribution in the Maldivian society. Indian tourists are welcome in Maldives. And we look forward to enhancing this important feature of our partnership – people-to-people contacts.
