President: Maldives will always uphold ‘India First’ policy

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Sunday that Maldives would always uphold its ‘India First’ policy. 

He made the comment during a courtesy call on him at the Equator Village in Addu City by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Sunday morning. 

During the meeting, the President and Jaishankar discussed existing bilateral cooperation and the close friendship between Maldives and India.  

President Solih noted that India was the first country he visited after assuming office. He expressed gratitude for India’s ‘Neighborhood First Policy’, from which he said Maldives continued to gain immense benefits. 

He also provided assurance that Maldives would always uphold its ‘India First’ policy and that it remains committed to enhancing the close ties with India. 

Both the President and Jaishankar agreed to continue efforts to further enhance and strengthen the bond between the two neighboring countries through areas of mutual concern, benefit and interest in the global sphere. 

Areas of mutual interest discussed during the meeting included COVID-19 relief, tourism cooperation, socioeconomic development, healthcare, fisheries, human resource development, security cooperation, and regional and international cooperation. 

At the meeting, the President highlighted the developmental projects currently underway with assistance from India. He said that Jaishankar’s visit would serve as an important reminder of the close friendship and strong partnership between Maldives and India.  

He then expressed his resolve to work closely with India to ensure that Maldives-India relations continued to prosper. 

Jaishankar travelled to Addu City to attend the opening ceremony of the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement and sign a number of agreements with Maldives. 

He concluded his visit to Addu on Sunday evening.