Latest news with #India-MaldivesComprehensiveEconomicandMaritimeSecurityPartnership
New Indian Express
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Maldives backs India's fight against terror as both sides strengthen ties
NEW DELHI: Backing India in its fight against terrorism, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel on Monday 'strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam' on April 22 and reaffirmed his country's 'firm support to India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.' Khaleel, on a three-day visit to India, conveyed his country's solidarity during talks with Indian officials aimed at advancing bilateral ties. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the Maldivian minister co-chaired a meeting of the High-Level Core Group (HLCG), tasked with reviewing the implementation of the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. This partnership was formalised during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's visit to New Delhi in October 2024, signalling a positive shift in relations after a period of diplomatic strain. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said discussions at the HLCG meeting covered a broad range of areas, including political engagement, defence and maritime security, development cooperation, trade, economy, healthcare, and people-to-people ties. Khaleel also held separate talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who expressed appreciation for Malé's support. 'Welcome Maldives' support and solidarity in combatting terrorism. India remains committed to Maldives' progress and development,' Jaishankar said in a social media post following the meeting. In a statement, the MEA said Khaleel thanked India for timely emergency financial assistance, saying it had made a 'positive impact on the everyday life of Maldivians.' The statement added, 'Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.' The visit marks another step in easing tensions that arose after President Muizzu, seen as leaning towards China, took office in November 2023 and demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. That issue was resolved with the replacement of troops by civilian personnel. The MEA stated Khaleel's visit had further 'strengthened the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two countries.'
India Gazette
28-04-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian Naval Officer pays courtesy visit to Maldives defence officials
Male [Maldives], April 29 (ANI): The Commanding Officer of INS Kochi, an Indian naval ship, on Monday, paid a courtesy call on senior defence officials of the Maldives in Male. He met with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Chief Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) Brig Gen Ahmed Ghiyas, and Commandant Coast Guard, Brig Gen Mohamed Saleem. 'Commanding Officer of INS Kochi paid a courtesy call on MNDF Chief of Defence Force Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, VCDF Brig Gen Ahmed Ghiyas and Commandant Coast Guard, Brig Gen Mohamed Saleem,' the Indian High Commission in Maldives wrote on X. Earlier in the day, the Indian Navy's Destroyer INS Kochi reached Male, accompanying Maldives CGS Huravee upon completion of refit in India. This visit underscores the deep-rooted, friendly ties and multi-faceted defence cooperation. Earlier n January, Maldives Minister Maumoon was on his first official visit to India, where he held bilateral discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. During the meeting, India handed over defence equipment and stores to the Maldives, as per the island nation's request. Both sides comprehensively reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence and security cooperation and reasserted the firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Minister Maumoon appreciated India's historical role as the 'First Responder' for the Maldives and thanked New Delhi for assisting Male in augmenting the modern infrastructural capacities and training of defence & security personnel. The visit was part of continued high-level engagements between the two sides. It has provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral defence and security ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries and the Indian Ocean Region. (ANI)
