India-Maldives relations

Why is it in news?
  • External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is on visit to the Maldives.
  • Maldives, island nation, reaffirmed its “India first” policy.
More in news
  • Agreements signed:
    (1) Three agreements were signed during the visit, which officials called the first “full-fledged substantive bilateral” engagement at a political level with the new government in Male.
    (2) One of the agreements is for visa exemption for diplomats and another for MoUs for development projects.
  • Grants and lines of credit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the swearing-in of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November and announced $1.4 billion in grants and lines of credit to the Maldives.
  • Resetting ties:
    (1) Maldives reaffirmed its “India first” policy and promised to look forward to working closely with the Government of India on all issues.
    (2) Maldives also reiterated that it would remain sensitive towards India’s security and strategic concerns.
    (3) The words indicate a stark contrast with the frosty relationship between the two countries last year, under previous President Abdullah Yameen’s tenure.
    (4) New Delhi, in turn, expressed its full support to the Maldives in line with its “Neighbourhood First” policy.
  • Visit outcomes:
    (1) Ms. Swaraj inaugurated the renovated Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, built in 1995, and met with several senior leaders including President Ibrahim Solih, Speaker of the Assembly Gasim Ibrahim and former President Mohamed Nasheed.
    (2) Requests for a cricket stadium, renewable energy projects and a thousand additional slots for Maldivian students in Indian courses were the highlights of the discussions.
Source
The Hindu




Posted by Jawwad Kazi on 19th Mar 2019
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