External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will go the Maldives for a two-day trip starting from Friday, accroding to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA).
"Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First' Policy and our Vision ‘SAGAR’ i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region. The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further," The statement further added.
Meanwhile, Jaishankar's visit comes months after ties between India and Maldives are on choppy waters after Maldives President Mohamad Muizzu, elected last year, pledged to end the country's "India First" policy. The last time Jaishankar visited Maldives was in January 2023.
Earlier in May this year, a senior minister from Maldives said India has initiated efforts to create a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries and deliberations are ongoing for achieving it. “They (India) want there to be a Free Trade Agreement with Maldives, in addition to SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement),” Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed told a press conference.
The Maldives President has offered this opportunity to all countries, Saeed said, adding that the government aims to enter into agreements with as many countries as possible to offer ease in trade activities.
India's reported effort at seeking an FTA with the Maldives comes in the backdrop of an ongoing diplomatic row between the two countries since November last year when President Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took the oath.
*With Agency Inputs
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