Maldives' Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Khaleel, has completed his inaugural official visit to India, according to an official press release from the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visit involved high-level discussions and the signing of important agreements aimed at enhancing development cooperation, representing a significant milestone in reinforcing the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Khaleel met with India's Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, where they reviewed the broad spectrum of bilateral relations. Discussions centred on exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly in development projects, infrastructure, and socio-economic initiatives.

Khaleel expressed his appreciation for India's continued support in addressing the fiscal challenges faced by the Maldives, emphasising the importance of this partnership in promoting economic stability, the press release stated.

One of the visit's key highlights was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP). This agreement launched the third phase of project-based cooperation between India and the Maldives, aiming to bring tangible benefits to communities at the grassroots level.

The projects under this phase are expected to enhance local infrastructure and improve livelihoods across the Maldives.
In addition to his diplomatic engagements, Khaleel also visited the High Commission of Maldives in India, underscoring the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations.

India and the Maldives have a strong bond, grounded in shared cultural, ethnic, and historical ties, which have formed the basis of their enduring relationship. India was one of the first countries to recognize the Maldives' independence in 1965 and has played a pivotal role in supporting its development.

Over time, the bilateral ties have been reinforced through significant visits, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s inauguration in 2018. These engagements have consistently centered on advancing the Maldives' developmental priorities, with a particular emphasis on healthcare, human resource development, and connectivity.