Sushma Swaraj begins two-day visit to Maldives today

New Delhi: With ties between India and its tiny south-western maritime neighbour Maldives firmly back on track, external affairs minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj will be visiting the archipelago nation on a two-day official visit starting Sunday.

India is already extending financial assistance to the Maldives under the government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Ties between the two neighbours had soured considerably last year during the tenure of then President Abdulla Yameen — known for his pro-China policies — who was subsequently defeated in the presidential polls there last year.   

Meanwhile, in a statement on Saturday, the MEA (ministry of external affairs) said Ms Swaraj will be paying a visit to Male in Maldives between 17 and 18 March, 2019, at the invitation of His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, the foreign minister of Maldives. She will be accompanied by foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale and other senior officials. During her visit, Ms Swaraj will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discuss future programme of action.

The MEA added, “EAM will call on the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on 18 March and the Speaker of Parliament, His Excellency Qasim Ibrahim, on 17 March. The minister of home affairs, Sheikh Imran Abdulla, will call on the EAM on 18 March.

“India attaches the highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives, which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding, and sensitivity. This visit will further strengthen the close and friendly relations between India and Maldives.”