Male: Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu said on Saturday that India has always been “a close” ally and “valuable partner” and that New Delhi has provided all kinds of assistance to his country “whenever it was needed”. He said this while addressing a ceremony organized at the President’s Office to start water supply and sewer facilities in 28 island areas in Maldives. The Government of India has financed these projects under the loan facility through the Exim Bank of India. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Muizzu and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to strengthen India-Maldives relations for the benefit of the people of both countries and the region.

‘India has helped Maldives’

Muizzu said that these projects will bring significant economic benefits, strengthen the local economy and contribute to the prosperity of the country overall. He said that these projects are an important milestone in terms of Maldives’ bilateral relations with India. During the ceremony, President Muizzu once again reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthen the historical and close ties between Maldives and India. He said that India has always been a close ally and valuable partner and has provided help and assistance whenever Maldives needed it. Addressing the program, Muizzu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India and the “friendly people” of India for providing “generous and continuous assistance” to Maldives. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Muizzu here and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to strengthen India-Maldives relations for the benefit of the people of both countries and the region.

Jaishankar is on a visit to Maldives

Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to Maldives to re-invigorate bilateral relations. This is the first high-level visit to Maldives from India after the pro-China Muizzu took office last year. Sharing a picture of the meeting, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar wrote on ‘X’, “Feel proud to meet President Dr. Mohammad Muizzu. Conveyed the best wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Committed to deepening India-Maldives relations for the benefit of our people and the region.