Abdulla Shahid on a two-day visit to India
Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid will visit India for a two-day visit starting on April 15, which is expected to add to existing relations between the two countries. Located across one of the world's busiest trade routes with billions of dollars' worth of trade and goods, the Maldives is an important country in the Indian Ocean region when India takes its place of influence.
Shahid will arrive in India on Thursday and will meet with Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar on Friday for "bilateral, regional and international talks", the Indian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"Foreign Minister Shahid will take part in the Raisina Dialogue in the form of visual effects in 'Financing for Sun' and 'Global health after the Pandemic' studies," the statement said.
India regards the Maldives as a key partner in the Indian Ocean region where China — India’s strategic rival — has been steadily intervening in recent years. China has been seeking to increase its efforts in the Indian Ocean region with its $ 1 billion Belt and Road Initiative and by increasing its shipping presence. In 2017, China opened its first overseas base in Djibouti and wants more. During a visit to the Maldives in February, Jaishankar presided over the signing of an agreement with the Maldives to extend the $ 50-million debt line to strengthen Male’s maritime capabilities. A total of five pacts were signed during the visit.
“The Maldives are India’s leading maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region and occupies a central and unique position with the Prime Minister’s view of ‘SAGAR’- Security and Growth for All in the Region. The visit of Foreign Minister Shahid is expected to boost the spirit of cooperation between the two countries," India's Foreign Minister said in a statement.
The Brief. Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now.