External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s continuous commitment to the Maldives’ development in alignment with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and the SAGAR vision.
Jaishankar shared on X that during his meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, both countries signed agreements for the next phase of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP). These initiatives aim to support the Maldives’ growth and enhance bilateral cooperation.
The minister emphasized, “India will remain a steadfast partner in the Maldives’ progress and prosperity,” highlighting India’s broader vision for the region.
India’s Neighbourhood First policy prioritizes strengthening relations with neighboring countries by boosting connectivity, trade, and cooperation, with specific focus on Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The SAGAR vision, articulated in 2015, envisions a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, with India contributing to connectivity, capacity building, and disaster management.
Maldivian Foreign Minister Khaleel expressed appreciation for India’s consistent support and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to further enhancing the partnership. This visit marked his first official trip to India, during which discussions focused on expanding cooperation in various sectors such as economic, security, fintech, and people-to-people relations.
In the previous phase of HICDP, India inaugurated six projects in sectors like street lighting, mental health, and special education. Additionally, a MoU was signed for introducing a digital payment system in the Maldives, further deepening bilateral ties.
