Maldives FM and new India envoy discuss fostering positive momentum in Male’-Delhi partnership

The newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian and the Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel exchanged views of fostering the positive momentum in the partnership between Male’ and New Delhi on Monday, as the former paid a courtesy on Khaleel.

Balasubramanian, who presented his credentials to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu earlier this month, visited Khaleel at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Male’ on Monday morning.

During the meeting, Khaleel congratulated Balasubramanian on his appointment, and exchanged views on fostering the positive momentum in the Maldives-India partnership.

They also explored avenues to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Highlighting on the bilateral relations between the two countries, Khaleel expressed appreciation for the people and government of India for the steadfast support extended to the Maldives over the years.

Balasubramanian thanked Khaleel for the warm welcome, and expressed his keen interest and commitment in working closely to strengthen the existing close ties between the two countries.

Khaleel was accompanied in the meeting by Foreign Secretary, Fathmath Inaya; Ambassador at Large, Mohamed Fahmy Hassan; Joint Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Zuhuree; Director, Ahmed Suzil; and Director, Aishath Shahula. Meanwhile, Balasubramaniam was accompanied by Deputy High Commissioner Kumar Gaurav.

Balasubramanian presented his credentials to President Muizzu on January 6.

He replaced Munu Mahawar, who held the post of Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives since November 2021. Mahawar had served as India’s top envoy through the most turbulent times in relations between Male’ and New Delhi.

Balasubramanian's career in the Indian foreign service includes significant assignments across key diplomatic missions, such as Moscow, Washington DC, and Bangkok, where he has served as Deputy Chief of Mission and India's Deputy Permanent Representative to United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Relations between Male’ and New Delhi had been strained in the early days of President Muizzu’s presidency after he demanded that India withdraw its troops from Maldives – executing a pledge he made during his presidential campaign. Things escalated further after three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging remarks regarding India and Indian Prime Minister Modi following a social media post promoting India’s Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

The Maldives Foreign Ministry was quick to distance itself from the remarks, saying that they do not represent the views of the Male’ government. The three junior ministers were suspended, and two of them later resigned.

But despite the earlier turmoil, officials from both Male’ and Delhi repeatedly expressed keenness to maintaining relations and engaged in several high-level visits.