Ajit Karn
Underlining that the Maldives’ foreign policy is based on “India first,” Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid on Friday described the relationship with India as “special” and praised India’s international leadership, adding that New Delhi established itself by assisting and supporting countries in times of need.
He then praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and cited his statement that “Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated plainly that the G20 is more than just the 20 countries seated at the table.”
“India is unique for the Maldives. Our foreign policy is centred on India because, as I’ve stated previously, we have no adversaries and are allies with everyone “Abdulla Shahid said while speaking to ANI.
The Foreign Minister of the Maldives stated that India has the largest population, the fastest-growing economy, and the G20 presidency.
Aplauding India’s global standing, he stated, “India’s international leadership has been exceptional, and everyone can see how India established itself.”
“Everyone in the world respects and discusses India’s leadership on the international stage. India is a long-standing ally of ours, and we are ecstatic to have a neighbour with a policy that prioritises the local community. India has been the first responder to every emergency we’ve experienced in the Maldives “He elaborated on how India’s neighbourhood-first policy has benefited the country.
“India’s assistance during the 1988 mercenary attack, the 2004 tsunami, the 2015 water crisis, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic has been astounding. We are extremely appreciative of India’s outreach to us “he added.
He also mentioned India’s assistance to Turkey following the earthquake and stated, “India dispatched rescue personnel immediately. The leadership of India is admired worldwide.”
Mentioning the main connectivity projects undertaken by India, he stated, “The ongoing great Himalaya connectivity bridge project will serve as a symbol of India and Maldives’ friendship.”
The foreign minister also mentioned other ongoing projects in the Maldives, ranging from minor community projects to megaprojects such as bridges, airports, hospitals, water and sewage projects on the islands, and housing projects.
However, he stated, “it would be unjust to highlight the significance of a single one.”
Globally, India’s G20 presidency is viewed as an opportunity, according to Abdullah Shahid, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that the G20 consists of more than the 20 countries seated at the table.
In response to a question about India’s invitation of all of its neighbours to the G20 summit, the Maldives’ foreign minister stated that India has a “neighbourhood first” policy and that Maldives is pleased to be a part of India’s G20 chairmanship.
Regarding India-Maldives relations, he stated emphatically that Maldives is not an arena for competition.
He stated, “Maldives has a very special relationship with India. In 2018, Prime Minister Modi attended President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s inauguration, and President Solih visited India for a state visit in December of the same year. Since then, there have been very high-level visits and contacts between the two countries,” he added, emphasising the strengthening of ties between the two nations.
Furthermore, he stated, “The level of trust and confidence in the leadership of both nations is exceedingly high. Persons such as ourselves and EAM Jaishankar must ensure that we fulfil the commitments made by the leaders. I am thrilled that we have both been able to deliver. Consequently, I would say that India and Maldives have never had a greater relationship “.
During a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, he disclosed that the EAM visited the Maldives in January.
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“I’m meeting him here again, so we’ll review our progress and make sure we’re on the correct track,” he said.
Comparing the Maldives’ relationship with India and China, he stated that India holds a distinct place for the Maldives. The Maldives’ foreign policy is “India first.”
He stated, “We have no adversaries and cooperate with everyone.”
