Top Maldives Diplomat Makes 1St Trip To New Delhi

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is visiting New Delhi on Thursday, the first since Indian troops began returning home under an agreement brought about by President Mohamed Muizzu.

Zameer held talks with his Indian counterpart, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said officials.

After holding talks with Jaishankar, Zameer said both leaders "reflected on our long history of bilateral partnership shared by mutual respect and understanding."

"We exchanged perspectives on increasing engagement and exchanges between Maldives and India, both bilaterally and in the international arena," he wrote on X.

Jaishankar told Zameer that the meeting "provides an opportunity to discuss our relationship and chart out future directions."

Noting that India was a key provider of development assistance to the Maldives, Jaishankar said, "Our projects have benefited the lives of people of your country; contributed directly to the quality of life."

"Our cooperation has also enhanced the security and well-being of your country through shared activities, equipment provisioning, capacity building and training," he said.

Jaishankar added that the "world is today passing through a volatile and uncertain period," and "close partnerships with neighbors are of great value."

Zameer, who arrived late Wednesday, will depart Friday, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry.

Indian troops began leaving Maldives in March under an agreement brought about by Muizzu. According to the Maldives government, India has withdrawn 51 of its soldiers from the Maldives so far.

All 89 troops, including 12 medical personnel from the Indian military, are scheduled to leave Maldives by May 10. -