In a move seen as an attempt to smooth bilateral ties following the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, the Maldives sent its Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to New Delhi for a one-day visit.
Zameer's arrival today coincided with the scheduled completion of the Indian troop withdrawal on May 10, a key campaign promise of the current Maldivian government led by President Mohamed Muizzu.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended a warm welcome to Zameer, highlighting the planned discussions on "bilateral and regional issues and seeking ways to provide impetus to our multifaceted relationship."
A meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to address these concerns and explore avenues for continued cooperation. The visit comes amid a period of strain between the two countries.
Maldivian President Muizzu's party had campaigned on a platform advocating for the removal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives.
Currently, around 70 Indian personnel, along with Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and Dhruv helicopters, are set to depart the island nation.
While the specific reasons behind the troop withdrawal request remain undisclosed, analysts point to potential concerns about growing Indian influence in the region. However, both sides have emphasised their commitment to maintaining a strong relationship.
The MEA release stressed on the significance of the Maldives as India's "key maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)," suggesting a continued focus on regional security cooperation.
According to the MEA, the discussions are likely to cover various aspects of the bilateral relationship, including ongoing development and defence cooperation initiatives.
The discussions are likely to focus on charting a new course for bilateral relations that addresses the concerns of the Maldivian government while preserving areas of strategic cooperation crucial for regional stability.
Notably, the recent replacement of Indian military personnel with technical specialists suggests a potential shift like India's presence in the Maldives.
Last month, India announced the successful replacement of the first batch of Indian personnel with technical staff, hinting at a revised model of engagement that prioritises non-military assistance.
Furthermore, both countries have reportedly reached agreements to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms for humanitarian and medical evacuation services in the Maldives.
This collaboration highlights the potential for continued cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
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