The diplomatic engagement wasn’t limited to discussions alone, as Ambassador Mahawar and President Muizzu visited the site of the Greater Male Connectivity Project…reports Asian Lite News
Indian Envoy to Maldives, Munu Mahawar, engaged in a fruitful discussion with Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, focusing on enhancing the special partnership between the two nations. The meeting occurred in the backdrop of a significant development, as Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu had recently requested the withdrawal of 77 Indian military personnel and initiated a review of over 100 bilateral agreements between India and the Maldives.
Ambassador Mahawar shared the details of the meeting on social media, expressing his delight at calling on Foreign Minister Zameer and conveying greetings from Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. The discussion aimed to strengthen the unique relationship between India and the Maldives, emphasizing cooperation and collaboration.
The meeting took place shortly after President Muizzu assumed office, succeeding in an election where he emerged as the eighth President of the Maldives. The new leadership signaled its intent to reassess various agreements with India, making the discussions between Ambassador Mahawar and Foreign Minister Zameer particularly significant in navigating the evolving dynamics between the two nations.
The diplomatic engagement wasn’t limited to discussions alone, as Ambassador Mahawar and President Muizzu visited the site of the Greater Male Connectivity Project. This initiative, launched in 2022 with Indian financial support, involves the construction of a 6.74-kilometer-long bridge and causeway link connecting the capital city Male with neighboring islands. The project aligns with President Muizzu’s commitment outlined in the “Hafutha 14” roadmap, emphasizing the expedited completion of vital infrastructure.
The Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, holds significant importance for India due to its proximity to the west coast, merely 70 nautical miles away from Minicoy and 300 nautical miles from India’s west coast. This geographic positioning underscores the strategic nature of the relationship, making the ongoing discussions and collaborative projects crucial for both nations.
In response to the appointment of Foreign Minister Zameer, Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar had expressed eagerness to work closely, affirming the commitment to further strengthen the special relationship between India and the Maldives. Zameer reciprocated, expressing enthusiasm for collaboration on mutual interests, reflecting the enduring and evolving ties between the two countries for the benefit of their people.