Maldives supports India in fight against terrorism during visit
- Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, the Foreign Minister of Maldives, visited India from May 25 to 27 to enhance bilateral ties.
- The visit included high-level discussions on political, defense, security, and economic cooperation.
- Dr. Khaleel condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed the Maldives' support for India's fight against terrorism.
The Maldives' Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, is on an official visit to India from May 25 to 27, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. During discussions, significant emphasis was placed on cooperation across various domains, including defense, security, and economic development. Dr. Khaleel led the Maldivian delegation at the 2nd India-Maldives High Level Core Group meeting on May 26, focusing on reviewing the progress of the Vision Document designed to enhance bilateral relations. Notably, during the meetings, Dr. Khaleel condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and conveyed the Maldives' solidarity with India, reaffirming the Maldives' firm stance against all forms of terrorism. This expression of support highlights the importance of both nations' relationships in maintaining regional security. Dr. Khaleel also expressed gratitude for India’s assistance, which he acknowledged has had a significant positive impact on the lives of Maldivian citizens. In addition, Dr. Khaleel engaged in bilateral discussions with India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, reaffirming commitments to further strengthen the partnership. The dialogue reinforced the notion that both countries are deeply interconnected, not only culturally but also strategically, ensuring mutual benefits in security and economic initiatives. They agreed on a future date for the 3rd High Level Core Group meeting in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Overall, India's relationship with the Maldives is integral to India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and its vision for Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean. The visit not only showcases diplomatic efforts but also indicates a shared understanding of the threats posed by terrorism in the region and the need for collaboration to confront them effectively. As India and the Maldives forge ahead, this partnership continues to hold great promise for fostering stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.