Sushma Swaraj begins two-day visit to Maldives on Sunday

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj..

Announcing the visit, the MEA said it is aimed at further strengthening the “close and friendly” relations between the two countries

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to the Maldives on a two-day visit beginning on March 17, in the first full-fledged bilateral trip from India to the island nation after the Government of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power in November.

Announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is aimed at further strengthening the “close and friendly” relations between the two countries. “India attaches the highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives which is marked by trust, transparency, mutual understanding and sensitivity.”

In Male, Swaraj will have a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and delegation-level talks with Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, National Planning and Infrastructure Minister Mohamed Aslam, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Aishath Nahula and Economic Development Minister Fayyaz Ismail.

Review bilateral relations

“The ministers will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and discuss future programme of action,” the MEA said.

Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and a number of senior officials will accompany Swaraj during the trip.

Swaraj will also call on President Solih on March 18 and Speaker of the Parliament Qasim Ibrahim on March 17. Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla will also call on Swaraj.

Officials said it will be the first full-fledged bilateral visit at the political level from India to the Maldives after the new government assumed office. They said Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives in November only to attend Solih’s swearing-in ceremony and no substantive discussion had taken place then.

Stability of the Indian Ocean region

Sources said the Maldives was aware of Indian government’s limitations due to the election code of conduct and that Swaraj’s visit will be to enhance overall ties which came under strain during the presidentship of Abdulla Yameen, who was known to be close to China. Solih had visited India in December last year during which India announced a $1.4 billion financial assistance to the island nation.

The two countries had also agreed to remain mindful of each other’s concerns and aspirations for the stability of the Indian Ocean region and not allow their respective territories to be used for any activity inimical to their interests.

Relations between India and the Maldives deteriorated after the then President Abdulla Yameen imposed emergency on February 5 last year. India had criticised his decision and asked his government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The emergency lasted for 45 days.

Solih became president in November after he defeated Yameen in presidential elections.