In a significant diplomatic engagement, Union Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, met with President Dr. Muizzu this morning in New Delhi.

Following the meeting, Minister Jaishankar shared his enthusiasm on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating,

The discussion between the two leaders centered on enhancing bilateral collaboration, with both parties expressing a strong desire to fortify cooperation in areas of mutual interest and shared values.

During the meeting, President Dr Muizzu conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their continuous support to the Maldives over the years. 

 He also mentioned the honor of attending Prime Minister Modi's recent swearing-in ceremony.

Minister Jaishankar reciprocated the sentiment, expressing gratitude for President Dr Muizzu's participation in the ceremony.

The meeting concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of their commitment to advancing Maldives-India relations in the coming years.

Dr. Jaishankar, who has been reappointed as Minister of External Affairs in Prime Minister Modi's newly formed government, previously held the same position during Modi's last term.

Notably, he visited the Maldives three times during that period, reflecting the close ties between the two nations.

President Muizzu's visit to India, his first since taking office on November 17 last year, was at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi for the swearing-in ceremony.

This visit is seen as a step towards mending previously strained relations, following requests to remove Indian military presence in the Maldives.

Diplomatic ties have since shown marked improvement.

In addition to the meeting with Minister Jaishankar, President Dr Muizzu attended an official banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, honoring leaders from neighboring countries present for the swearing-in.

Seated near Prime Minister Modi and alongside Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, President Dr Muizzu's presence highlighted the importance of regional solidarity.