Latest news with #Maldivians
Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Maldives backs India's fight against terror as two sides explore ways to boost strategic ties
India and Maldives on Monday explored ways to boost trade and strategic cooperation even as Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel backed New Delhi's fight against terrorism. Khaleel, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is on a three-day visit to India to review the implementation of the comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership agreed during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's trip to New Delhi last October. The Maldivian Foreign Minister led his country's delegation at a meeting of the High Level Core Group (HLCG) that was tasked to oversee progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives vision document on comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership. The discussions at the core group meeting focused on ways to intensify political exchanges, defence and security cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health and people-to-people linkages, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Khaleel 'strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam' on April 22 and expressed the Maldives' 'solidarity with the people and government of India and its firm support to India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,' the MEA said. Khaleel also held a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. 'Welcome Maldives' support and solidarity in combating terrorism. India remains committed to Maldives' progress and development,' Jaishankar said in a social media post. The MEA said Khaleel also thanked the Government of India for 'the timely emergency financial assistance extended to Maldives, which has made a positive impact on the everyday life of Maldivians.'
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- 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.'
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India, Maldives explore ways to boost strategic ties
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel India and Maldives on Monday explored ways to boost trade and strategic cooperation even as Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel backed New Delhi's fight against terrorism. Khaleel, accompanied by a high-level delegation, is on a three-day visit to India to review the implementation of the comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership that was agreed during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's trip to New Delhi last Maldivian foreign minister led his country's delegation at a meeting of the High Level Core Group (HLCG) that was tasked to oversee progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives vision document on comprehensive economic and maritime security discussions at the core group meeting focused on ways to intensify political exchanges, defence and security cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health and people-to-people linkages, the external affairs ministry "strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam" on April 22 and expressed the Maldives' "solidarity with the people and government of India and its firm support to India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations", the ministry also held a meeting with external affairs minister S Jaishankar."Welcome Maldives' support and solidarity in combatting terrorism. India remains committed to Maldives' progress and development," Jaishankar said in a social media a statement, the ministry of external affairs said Khaleel "expressed Maldives' solidarity with the people and government of India and its firm support to India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations"."Foreign Minister Khaleel also thanked the government of India for the timely emergency financial assistance extended to Maldives, which has made a positive impact on the everyday life of Maldivians," it said."Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR that is Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions," it added."The visit has strengthened the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two countries," the ministry ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain after Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. Subsequently, the Indian military personnel were replaced by was a thaw in the relations as Muizzu vowed to boost the bilateral ties with India during his visit to Delhi in October.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Express firm support to India in fight against terror, says Maldives minister
NEW DELHI: India and Maldives on Monday explored ways to enhance defence security cooperation and trade, as Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Khaleel condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and backed New Delhi's fight against terrorism. Khaleel is on a three-day visit to India for a meeting of the bilateral high-level core group that oversees the implementation of the comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership that was agreed during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's trip to New Delhi last October. Khaleel led the Maldivian side at the meeting of the core group, with discussions focusing on ways to intensify political exchanges, defence and security cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health and people-to-people linkages, the external affairs ministry said. He also 'strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam' on April 22 and expressed the Maldives' 'solidarity with the people and government of India and its firm support to India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations'. Khaleel also held a meeting with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, who said in a social media post that he welcomed the Maldives' support and solidarity in combating terrorism. 'India remains committed to Maldives' progress and development,' he added. This was the second meeting of the core group that oversees the implementation of the bilateral vision document on comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership adopted during Muizzu's visit to India. That visit was aimed at resetting bilateral ties, which had reached an all-time low as Muizzu ordered the removal of some 80 Indian military personnel deployed in the Maldives to operate three aircraft and took steps to move his country closer to Beijing. India agreed during Muizzu's visit to provide financial support of more than ₹6,300 crore to the Maldives to tide over a foreign exchange crisis. The two sides also decided to begin discussions on a free trade agreement. Khaleel thanked the Indian government for the 'timely emergency financial assistance extended to Maldives', which had a 'positive impact on the everyday life of Maldivians'. The external affairs ministry described the Maldives as a key maritime neighbour and an important partner in the 'Neighbourhood First' policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. The two sides decided to hold the next meeting of the core group in Male on mutually convenient dates.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Travel ties deepen, halal focus shared
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and the Maldives have agreed to enhance cooperation through the 'Visit Malaysia 2026' campaign and explore opportunities for increase tourism flows between the two nations, including Muslim-friendly and halal tourism. The commitment was made during the four-day official visit, which began on Sunday, of Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Recognising the potential of their respective economies, Anwar and Muizzu expressed their confidence in the ongoing growth of trade, tourism and investment activities. Muizzu has also invited Malaysian investors to actively explore the vast investment opportunities in the Maldives across multiple sectors, Bernama reported. Noting the global momentum for high- quality halal products and services, Anwar conveyed Malaysia's readiness to share its experience and expertise in developing the halal industry. To expand cultural cooperation, the two leaders welcomed the enhancement of cultural exchanges through literature, performing arts, cultural training, education and other initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness of the cultures and histories of Malaysia and the Maldives. Muizzu also expressed his appreciation for Malaysia's cooperation and friendship, which have benefited Maldivians who travel to Malaysia for tourism, education and medical purposes. Great partnership: Anwar holding a joint press conference with Muizzu at Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya. — Bernama Both leaders discussed ways to further enhance cooperation to support the welfare of their citizens. This marks the president's inaugural visit to Malaysia since assuming office on Nov 17, 2023, and underscores the two countries' efforts to reinforce longstanding diplomatic relations established in 1968. At a bilateral meeting earlier yesterday, the leaders discussed Malaysia-Maldives ties and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Muizzu also extended an invitation to Anwar to undertake an official visit to the Maldives at a mutually convenient date, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the close ties between the two nations. In 2024, Malaysia's total trade with the Maldives increased by 4.3% to RM862.7mil from RM827.3mil in 2023, making the archipelagic state Malaysia's sixth largest trading partner among South Asian countries. In education, Anwar said Malaysia's collaboration with the Maldives, which includes the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, is now expanding to include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Anwar also expressed Malaysia's full support for Muizzu, who has been vocally urging the international community to prioritise environmental protection. Meanwhile, Anwar expressed his satisfaction with the meetings with Muizzu and bilateral discussions with ministers. 'We have a large number of ministers, both from the Maldives and Malaysia; that shows the importance we place on our friendly neighbour, which is, although quite a distance, a beautiful country,' he said. Earlier, Anwar and Muizzu witnessed the exchange of three memoranda of understanding and two Exchanges of Notes covering various sectors to strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit. The two nations also aim to expand cooperation into new areas such as floating solar, defence and digital technology. Noting that both countries are maritime nations, Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the potential for collaboration is vast and continues to grow across multiple sectors based on mutual benefit, adding that existing collaborations already cover areas like education, tourism, sports and health. 'There are now new areas where we need to collaborate further, including floating solar, defence and digital technology,' he said in a joint press conference with Muizzu.
