Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations in key areas, including maritime security, trade, and investment. This visit comes nearly three months after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India.
On Friday, Khaleel is set to hold wide-ranging discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The talks will focus on enhancing the India-Maldives partnership across various domains.
“Working towards India-Maldives joint vision of a ‘Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership.’ Warm welcome to FM @abkhaleel of Maldives on his first official visit to India,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X (formerly Twitter).
Khaleel, who previously served as the Maldives’ Health Minister, has consistently acknowledged India’s pivotal role in supporting the Maldives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trip further builds on the rapport established during President Muizzu’s October 2024 visit, where Khaleel was part of the delegation.
President Muizzu’s visit was a landmark event, underscored by his meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials. Discussions focused on bolstering the development partnership, expanding financial assistance, and exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration. India’s continued financial support, including a one-year interest-free extension of T-bills and a $400 million currency swap agreement, was met with gratitude from the Maldivian side.
The visit also included business forums in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where President Muizzu presented investment opportunities in special economic zones, luxury private islands, eco-friendly resorts, and integrated tourism projects.
Khaleel’s current visit is expected to follow up on those discussions, addressing progress in sectors like social housing, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, healthcare, renewable energy, women’s empowerment, and human resource development. Both nations continue to prioritize their shared vision for a “Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership” as they deepen their ties.
