New Delhi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday told his Maldivian counterpart Musa Zameer that the growth of India-Maldives relations is based on "mutual interests" and "mutual sensitivities".
Jaishankar's comments come amid a deterioration in bilateral relations between the two countries since pro-China President Mohammad Muizzu took office six months ago.
“As close and immediate neighbours, the development of our relations is clearly based on mutual interests and mutual sensitivity,” the External Affairs Minister said in his opening remarks at his meeting with Zameer here.
“As far as India is concerned, these have been expressed in the context of your Neighbor First policy and SAGAR (security and development for all in the region) approach. I hope that our meeting today will allow us to deepen our understanding of our approaches in various areas. Will enable to strengthen the convergence of.," He said.
Relations between the two countries came under severe strain as Muizu insisted on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel operating three military platforms in the island nation.
India has already withdrawn most of its military personnel. Muizzu had set a deadline of May 10 for the withdrawal of Indian military troops from his country.
At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the first and second batches of Indian personnel have returned and "there has been no deputation of competent Indian technical personnel" to operate the three Indian aviation platforms.In his remarks, Jaishankar also mentioned India's development assistance to Maldives.
He said, "India has been a major provider of development assistance to the Maldives. Your projects have benefited the people of your country; contributed to the quality of life."
"These range from infrastructure projects and social initiatives to medical evacuation and health facilities," Jaishankar said.
He said, “We have given financial assistance on favorable terms in the past also.India has been the first responder to Maldives on several occasions."
“Our cooperation has also enhanced the security and well-being of your country through shared activities, equipment provision, capacity building and training,” Jaishankar said.
Jaiswal said the two foreign ministers had "wide-ranging discussions" on bilateral relations and regional security issues.
He said the two leaders discussed development partnerships and ongoing capacity building and training initiatives.
On the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, Jaiswal said both sides are working together to ensure the continuous operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the island nation."Accordingly, competent Indian technical personnel have been deputed," he said.
Jaishankar's comments come amid a deterioration in bilateral relations between the two countries since pro-China President Mohammad Muizzu took office six months ago.
“As close and immediate neighbours, the development of our relations is clearly based on mutual interests and mutual sensitivity,” the External Affairs Minister said in his opening remarks at his meeting with Zameer here.
“As far as India is concerned, these have been expressed in the context of your Neighbor First policy and SAGAR (security and development for all in the region) approach. I hope that our meeting today will allow us to deepen our understanding of our approaches in various areas. Will enable to strengthen the convergence of.," He said.
Relations between the two countries came under severe strain as Muizu insisted on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel operating three military platforms in the island nation.
India has already withdrawn most of its military personnel. Muizzu had set a deadline of May 10 for the withdrawal of Indian military troops from his country.
At a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the first and second batches of Indian personnel have returned and "there has been no deputation of competent Indian technical personnel" to operate the three Indian aviation platforms.In his remarks, Jaishankar also mentioned India's development assistance to Maldives.
He said, "India has been a major provider of development assistance to the Maldives. Your projects have benefited the people of your country; contributed to the quality of life."
"These range from infrastructure projects and social initiatives to medical evacuation and health facilities," Jaishankar said.
He said, “We have given financial assistance on favorable terms in the past also.India has been the first responder to Maldives on several occasions."
“Our cooperation has also enhanced the security and well-being of your country through shared activities, equipment provision, capacity building and training,” Jaishankar said.
Jaiswal said the two foreign ministers had "wide-ranging discussions" on bilateral relations and regional security issues.
He said the two leaders discussed development partnerships and ongoing capacity building and training initiatives.
On the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, Jaiswal said both sides are working together to ensure the continuous operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the island nation."Accordingly, competent Indian technical personnel have been deputed," he said.
